6 Early Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to a progressive immune-mediated disorder that causes the body to attack its system. The aspect means that the body’s system that is designed to maintain the body’s health mistakenly attacks parts of the body intended for daily metabolic processes. The element is detrimental as the protective coverings of the nerve endings are destroyed, which may alter the normal functioning of the spinal cord and brain.
Significant symptoms of MS include:
1. Visions issues
The art of figuring out objects and interpreting them is more of brain function. Therefore, any disruption on the nerve endings connected to the eyes causes visual problems. Also, the inflammation of the optic nerves and the disturbances of the central visions causes blurred vision loss of eyesight or even double hallucinations. It is worth noting that you may not notice the development of these issues as the degeneration of clear eyesight tends to be slow.
2. Numbness and tingling
Multiple sclerosis affects the spinal cord as well as the brain’s cells. It is worth noting that the mind and the spinal cord act as the body’s message center. The aspect means that the body develops a self-conflict when it comes to the art of sending signals to different cells and tissues. There are cases where messages are not sent at all. The situation results in numbness. Tingling and numbness sensations are some of the warning signs of MS. The feelings affect the face, legs, fingers as well as arms.
3. Spasms and pain
Involuntary muscle spasms and chronic pain are some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Clinical studies have found that more than 50% of MS victims suffer from chronic pain or experience muscle spasms once a day. Muscle stiffness is standard as you might experience stiff joints and muscle spasms as well as painful jerking movements that affect the lower and the upper extremities. In most cases, the legs are often affected. However, back pain is also joint among victims of MS.
4. Weakness and fatigue
More than 80% of MS victims complain of unexplained fatigue and weakness in their early stages of the disorder. In most cases, chronic fatigue occurs when the nerves of the spinal column deteriorate. On the other hand fatigue appears suddenly and lasts for weeks before improving.
5. Dizziness and balance issues
Problems with coordination and balance, as well as dizziness, decreases the mobility of victims of MS. Victims of MS usually feel dizzy, lightheaded as well as vertigo. Most of these symptoms affect victims of MS when one is standing.
6. Bowel and bladder dysfunction
The metabolic process of the bladder and the bowel is more of a brain function. However, any effect on the spinal cord or, instead, the brain causes victims to have strong urges of urination, inability to hold urine, and frequent urination episodes. Luckily, most of these symptoms of bladder function are easily manageable. However, there are cases where victims lose control of the bowel and experience multiple episodes of diarrhea as well as constipation.
Although there are multiple symptoms associated with MS, it is often difficult to diagnose the disease. The diagnosis of the condition requires multiple tests that are critical in ruling out conditions and disease with similar symptoms. The art of diagnosing the conditions at its early stages is essential in enhancing effective treatment.