Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Early Symptoms
The early symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) depends upon the area of central nervous system affected and the amount of myelin lost. The multiple sclerosis early symptoms may not be the same for every individual and they vary from person to person. The severity and duration of multiple sclerosis early symptoms also depend on the parts of nervous system affected.
Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis are most probably experienced between the ages 20 to 40. Only in rare cases multiple sclerosis early symptoms are seen before 20 or after 50. The early symptoms of multiple sclerosis are also called multiple sclerosis attacks or episodes. Usually the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis come and go therefore unpredictable to know whether they will last for days or weeks.
Given below is a list of early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Remember that any one of the early symptoms doesn't assure you of having multiple sclerosis. These early symptoms may also be caused due to other diseases or conditions.
Eye Problems
Eye problems like blurred vision, double vision, involuntary eye movements, eye pain or loss of vision is the most common early symptom of multiple sclerosis. These eye problems usually affect only one eye. Eye problem is the one of the first early symptom of multiple sclerosis in about half of the people affected by multiple sclerosis. These eye problems are caused due to the inflammation of the optic nerve.
Tingling or Numbness
Tingling or numbness can be one of the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. You may experience a pins-and-needles sensation in arms and legs, numbness in the limbs or a band like tightness around the legs.
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness, loss of balance, poor coordination and awkwardness are common early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. You may lose your balance or may drop things at times.
Fatigue or Tiredness
In the early stages of multiple sclerosis, fatigue or tiredness only in late afternoon may be considered as an early symptom of multiple sclerosis. But as the disease progresses fatigue is experienced throughout the day.
Bladder Problems
In the early stages of multiple sclerosis you may face some bladder problems like:
- Inability of empty the bladder fully
- Inability to hold urine also called as urine incontinence
Lhermitte's Sign
A burning shooting pain in the back and the limbs is referred to as Lhermitte's sign, which is also an early symptom of multiple sclerosis.
These are some of the multiple sclerosis early symptoms. As the disease progresses other multiple sclerosis symptoms can also be seen. If any one or combination of these multiple sclerosis early symptoms are seen its advisable to consult a doctor for multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
