Multiple sclerosis is a progressive central nervous system illness affecting the spinal cord and brain. Besides attacking the nervous system, the immune-related disorder also destroys the myelin sheath, which is the fatty tissue that protects nerve cells. Consequently, this condition affects the body’s capability to send neural signals, making it extremely hard for the brain to coordinate with the remainder of the body and can lead to irreversible nerve damage. While there are numerous signs and symptoms of Houston multiple sclerosis, here are the most common ones you should watch out for.
1. Poor Vision
Vision issues are one of the most prevalent symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Inflammation of the optic nerve disrupts an individual’s central vision. You may experience double vision, involuntary eye movements, blurred vision, discomfort while looking side to side, down and up, or total vision loss. These difficulties could be intermittent or chronic.
2. Numbness or Tingling
An individual with MS may also suffer tingling or numbness. The condition alters the connections between the brain and the remainder of the body and can even completely block nerve signals. This disruption could cause a tingling sensation or total numbness. People commonly experience numbness in their fingers, legs, arms, or toes, but it is also not unusual to feel tingling in the abdomen, face, and other body areas.
3. Fatigue and Weakness
Most individuals with multiple sclerosis report fatigue and weakness before diagnosis. Once spinal nerves degenerate, chronic weariness follows. It typically occurs unexpectedly and might linger for weeks. Occasionally, this weariness is accompanied by muscle weakness that initially manifests in the legs.
4. Dizziness or Poor Balance
In the early phases of multiple sclerosis, coordination problems and dizziness are common. The disease could cause a person to feel dizzy or as though the environment is spinning, particularly after getting up. This issue is commonly referred to as vertigo, which could cause a sensation of being unbalanced, hindering mobility.
5. Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms, also called tremors, are a typical early indication of multiple sclerosis. These spasms might feel like moderate fluttering or more like uncontrollable jerking. This discomfort is usually followed by muscle spasms and leg and back stiffness. This symptom is also present in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a dysfunction of the nerve system rather than an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis.
6. Pain
Multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms can induce pain all through the body. This discomfort may manifest as the so-called “MS hug,” characterized by acute discomfort around the chest and ribs or pain in the neck or limbs. Although some patients might report acute pain, others might suffer lingering discomfort.
7. Cognitive Difficulties
Considering multiple sclerosis primarily impacts the brain, many patients identified with this condition suffer cognitive difficulties. These concerns may include difficulty acquiring new information, memory problems, and poor problem-solving. Moreover, one may experience concentration and communication difficulties and perception problems.
There is no universal sequence of MS symptoms; persons can experience different symptoms at varying phases. Besides, the early signs of Multiple Sclerosis could be similar for men and women. If you notice any of the following issues, consulting a specialist for a diagnosis is advisable to obtain the necessary help.
