9 Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Last updated 27/12/2023 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health
9 Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Here are 9 early signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that allow you to recognize the neurodegenerative autoimmune state at an early stage and get the right treatment. An early diagnosis is very important to slow the progression of MS. None of these signs on your own means you have MS, but if you experience any of the symptoms, we recommend contacting your GP for a consultation. You can read more in-depth information about MS here if desired.
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1. Vision problems
Visual problems are one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Inflammation in MS affects the optic nerve and can lead to blurred vision, double vision or partial blindness (in one eye). It may take time for this breakdown of the optic nerve to occur. This symptom can also occur with pain when looking in a specific direction with the eye.
Normal causes: Vision problems can occur with age and it is common for vision to gradually deteriorate over the years.
Stinging and numbness in the skin
Have you experienced tingling and numbness around your body? MS affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to various signals being sent that really should not have been sent and vice versa, in that signals do not return to the brain. These symptoms can be an early sign of MS - and can occur on the face, arms, legs and fingers.
Normal Causes: Nerve irritation from tight muscles and musculoskeletal dysfunction can also cause referred numbness and tingling.
Chronic pain and muscle spasms
Prolonged pain and uncontrolled muscle twitching are common symptoms for those affected by MS. A study conducted by the American 'National MS Society' showed that as many as half of all those affected by multiple sclerosis also have chronic pain. Stiff muscles and spasms can occur at the same time - and you may experience sudden movements of the legs and arms. The legs are most often affected.
Normal causes: Muscle syndromes, generally poor condition of muscles and joints, and the like, can also provide the basis for chronic pain and symptoms.
Chronic fatigue and weakness
Do you constantly feel tired? Have you experienced that you have been abnormally weak in the muscles? Unexplained fatigue occurs in as many as 80% of those affected by MS. Chronic fatigue can be caused by the breakdown of nerves in the spinal cord - and can vary greatly.
Normal causes: We all have bad periods at times, but with MS this will be a recurring problem.
5. Balance problems and dizziness
Feeling shaky and as if everything is spinning around you? People affected by MS more often feel dizzy, light-headed and as if they are unable to coordinate themselves.
Normal causes: Increased age can result in poorer balance and higher rates of dizziness. We therefore recommend that you exercise balance regularly.
6. Constipation or slow stomach
Do you have problems going to the bathroom? Do you really have to 'take in' to get any movement in the intestines? If you are struggling with constipation and impaired bowel function, we recommend that you contact your GP. Diarrhea can also occur as an early sign of MS.
Normal causes: Common causes of constipation and slow stomach are low water and fiber. There are also certain medications that cause constipation as a side effect.
7. Impaired bladder and sexual function
Dysfunctional bladder, in the form of frequent urination or 'leakage', can also occur with MS. Sexual function can be affected when it starts in the central nervous system - which is often affected in those affected by multiple sclerosis.
8. Cognitive problems
Have you noticed that memory is poorer? Or that you have reduced concentration? This may be due to early stage of multiple sclerosis.
Normal causes: Memory often fails slightly with age and may also vary based on the everyday situation.
9. Depression
Have you lost the spark of life and feel that your mood fluctuates violently? MS can cause strong reactions on the central nervous system that can cause a person to go from being far down and emotional to being high up and almost manically happy in a short time.
Other symptoms that may occur include hearing loss, seizures, uncontrollable shaking, language problems and difficulty swallowing.
What can you do if you have MS?
- Collaborate with your GP and study a plan for how you can stay as healthy as possible, this may involve:
Neurological referral for examination of nerve function
Treatment by therapist
Cognitive processing
Training programs
NEXT PAGE: - This you should know about MS
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Good evening folks, in short, my father was diagnosed with MS at Vestfold Hospital (SIV) many years ago. After many rounds of neurological and rheumatic at Riksen, the doctors now "realize" that they have given a wrong diagnosis at this time. About 12 years ago. But now they say outright that they do not know what is wrong with him. He now has so swollen ankles etc that he soon can not walk. So he does not get any more help here in Norway, they even seem to have given up on finding out what he is struggling with. He says the truth is that he will come and die while he waits. He is getting worse and worse, but my question is - has anyone been successful in traveling abroad? And possibly the name of the clinic?