Since there is no cure for MS, it is important to be aware of the potential symptoms. Discovering the disease in its early stages is the best way to live a long and happy life. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown.
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a medical disease that occurs when the body's immune system starts attacking and destroying the protective covering of your nerves. This eventually makes it hard for the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. These are the 12 most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
The other common symptom that is generally experienced in the early stages of multiple sclerosis is body numbness. Most patients experience this numbness well before they are officially diagnosed with the disease. An area of the face, body, or limbs will start to feel numb for absolutely no reason. You may also experience tingling in the body at the same time. This can be an extremely weird feeling, so it should not be too hard to notice that something is off with your body.
The vast majority of people suffering from multiple sclerosis will deal with fatigue at some point in their life. The fatigue caused by this disease is unlike any other fatigue you have ever felt. It will be so bad that you will be unable to perform any of your normal activities around the house or at work. The fatigue is often worse in people that lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle, so it is important to stay physically active when you can.
Most patients with multiple sclerosis notice a change in their vision well before any other symptoms are present. Since this is often the first symptom of MS, it is very important to spot any changes in your eyesight. This disease can cause several different vision problems including blurred vision, an inability to recognize colors, and poor contrast in your vision. You may also experience eye pain when moving the eyes to look in a different direction.
The motor nerves in the body are responsible for controlling the muscles. If the body starts to destroy the covering of these nerves, then you will start to experience muscle weakness. The muscles simply are not able to perform to their highest level when the motor nerves are damaged. Multiple sclerosis also causes the muscles to degrade faster than normal when they are not being used. Luckily, there are therapies available to recondition the muscles after getting diagnosed with MS.
Spasticity is a medical condition that occurs when the muscles are unable to move normally due to stiffness or tightness. Just like muscle weakness, this common symptom of multiple sclerosis occurs when the motor nerves have become damaged. In addition to stiffness, you will also likely experience involuntary muscle spasms all over the body. You can develop spasticity in any of the limbs, but it most commonly occurs in the legs.
Over time, multiple sclerosis will start to cause lesions to form on the brain. If these lesions form on the area of the brain that controls and maintains equilibrium, then you will start to experience occasional dizziness. The dizziness is commonly accompanied by feelings of being off-balance and lightheadedness. A small number of patients may also deal with vertigo, which is a condition that makes it feel like your surroundings are spinning.
Having difficulties with your gait is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis. The walking issues can be caused by several different factors. Muscle tightness, fatigue, or weakness in the legs will make it hard to walk normally. You can also have problems if the brain's equilibrium controls are compromised by lesions. Walking can become so difficult at times that you may occasionally fall. If you start to notice issues with your gait, then it is best to use a walker or cane when trying to walk.
It is estimated that more than two-thirds of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis will deal with bladder dysfunction at some point. This often results in an inability to hold your urine or a sudden urge to urinate. If you are not near a bathroom at the time of these urges, then you will likely suffer an embarrassing accident. Luckily, it is fairly easy to manage bladder dysfunction with a few lifestyle changes and medication.
The neurological problems caused by multiple sclerosis can potentially lead to you dealing with some bowel issues. Constipation is the most common bowel issue associated with MS. This is generally caused by a slowing of the intestinal tract and a lack of physical activity. Diarrhea and a complete loss of control of the bowels are less common bowel issues you may experience with this disease.
You may start to have cognition issues after developing multiple sclerosis. You will find yourself struggling to learn and remember information that never previously caused you problems. Struggling to focus for a long period of time is another common cognitive issue caused by MS. These cognitive problems are generally mild in most patients, but they can sometimes be severe. This is typically a symptom associated with the later stages of multiple sclerosis.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.