Many people living with ms have to deal with unexplained fatigue and weakness. These symptoms, along with issues with movement and balance and bowel and bladder function, are common and should not be ignored. Early detection and treatment can help manage the disease, reduce relapses and slow down the progression of symptoms.
Symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored include numbness or tingling (both in the arms and legs), especially if they happen more than once. Dizziness that lasts more than a day and is not related to an illness or injury is another symptom that needs to be taken seriously. Cognitive or speech problems also deserve attention, such as difficulty thinking clearly, long pauses between words, or missing words. A problem with the bowel or bladder can lead to constipation, leakage, or trouble controlling urination and defecation.
If you experience any of these early symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. Getting the proper diagnosis at an early stage will make it easier to manage and control symptoms, prevent progression of the disease, and help you get back to your regular life.
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the protective covering around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin). The damage is centered on the optic nerve and can cause vision issues. It can also damage the spinal cord, causing a tingling sensation in the back and neck known as Lhermitte’s sign.
It’s not known why the immune system starts attacking itself in MS, but it’s likely a combination of factors including genetics and environmental exposures. It’s also thought that a virus like Epstein-Barr, which causes infectious mononucleosis, increases the risk of developing the disease.
The symptoms of MS differ from person to person, but they are generally grouped into four categories. First, there’s weakness and fatigue, which is exacerbated by heat or exercise and can affect any part of the body. Second, there’s spasticity, which refers to muscle stiffness and can occur in any limb but is most common in the legs. Third, there’s a lack of coordination or balance that can cause problems with walking or standing. Finally, there are visual symptoms, such as blurred or poor color, contrast, and depth perception, as well as trouble moving the eyes.
There are many other symptoms, but it’s important to talk with your doctor and not ignore any concerns, especially if they are new or get worse over time. A neurologist who specializes in MS can provide you with the best advice and care. You can join a community of over 195,000 people living with ms on MyMSTeam to discuss your questions and experiences with others. You can also find information and resources to help you cope with the challenges of ms. You can even find a support group near you.
