The earliest signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary from person to person, but they usually start between the ages of 20 and 40. No one knows for sure why, but researchers suspect that a combination of factors is involved – including genetics, previous exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis), and environmental factors such as low sunlight or lack of Vitamin D. Symptoms of MS can also come and go, or they may linger and get progressively worse over time.
In people with MS, the immune system goes awry and attacks the protective covering around nerve fibers (myelin sheath) within your central nervous system (CNS). These nerve fibers transmit signals from your brain to your legs and arms, to your heart and lungs. Damage to this covering can cause a number of problems, from blurred vision to trouble with walking or bladder control.
You’re more likely to experience these symptoms if you have a family history of MS or if you are a woman. In addition, certain parts of your body – like the brain, eyes and spinal cord – are affected more than others. Some symptoms, such as numbness and weakness, can affect both sides of your body. Others, such as muscle spasms and stiffness (spasticity) can be more limited to a single side of your body.
Your first signs may be an inability to walk or stand upright because of a change in your gait or an unsteady feeling. This occurs when special areas of the brain – called the cerebellum and the vestibular nuclei – are damaged, leading to incoordination. Nerve demyelination can also cause balance issues, such as the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning (vertigo).
Cognition or memory problems are common in MS and can impact a variety of activities. They include trouble thinking clearly, poor memory or short attention span, difficulty planning and decision-making, and a feeling that your thinking is slower than normal. You can report these changes to your GP or MS nurse, and they will be evaluated.
Pain is also a common early sign of MS. It can be a result of the demyelination, or it could be related to other factors, such as itchiness (pruritis) or chronic fatigue. You might have a sharp or burning pain, or it might be a persistent dull ache. It can affect all areas of the body, but it’s most often felt in your legs and arms.
Symptoms can appear in any order and are different for everyone, but the earlier you see your doctor, the sooner you can be diagnosed and treated. The neurologist can test your condition to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatments to slow your progression. You can find a physician who specializes in ms by using the Healthline FindCare tool. We also recommend visiting our MS community, MyMSTeam, to ask questions and talk with others living with ms. There you can share your earliest symptoms and learn from those who have experienced them before.
