Multiple Sclerosis affects more than 400 thousand people in the US and over 2 million throughout the world. The National MS Society estimates that every hour adds someone to those numbers.
This chronic autoimmune disease is often disabling and the symptoms typically appear for the first time in adults that are from twenty to forty years old. Generally once someone has had two episodes of symptoms that they believe to be MS they will seek a medical diagnosis to confirm the disease.
First Signs and Symptoms of MS
The nature of Multiple Sclerosis is that no two cases or set of symptoms are the same. But there are often common symptoms that might indicate your need to seek medical assistance. Often the reported combination of blurred vision and numbness are noted in an initial diagnosis of MS.
The five most common early symptoms of MS:
- Vision problems that may consist of blurred or double vision
- Weakness in one or more of your arms and legs
- Tingling that can last for several days
- Numbness that may also last for several days
- Loss of balance
Less Common Early Symptoms of MS:
- Sudden paralysis
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Cognitive difficulties
Understanding MS Symptoms
When your arm or leg falls asleep you get that tingling sensation that is sometimes referred to as pins-and-needles. This feeling generally lasts just a few minutes until the blood returns to the area. When doctors ask about tingling in reference to MS symptoms it is important to understand that the tingling (or other MS symptoms) will take several days develop and then can last days, and even weeks.
Vision Symptoms can occur in one or both eyes. Your vision can slowly or rapidly decline over a few days or weeks. It can be blurry, double, or almost non-existent.
Numbness or Tingling Symptoms typically occur in your extremities, which mean your hands or feet, although it can affect your trunk. These symptoms may be in just one spot, or several. The symptom may only affect one side of your body.
Off Balance or Dizzy Symptoms may leave you feeling lightheaded and clumsy. It is common that if this is the only two symptoms patients will go to the doctor believing they have an inner ear infection.
Heat Intolerance Symptoms may mean you can’t stand to be in the sun even for a short period of time. This inability to take the heat can leave you feeling dizzy, faint, and extremely uncomfortable. The heat intolerance may strike in the shower, bath, hot tub, in a hot room, or if you get a slight fever. If you have other symptoms of MS like vision trouble or balance issues, the heat intolerance can make these other symptoms even worse.
Cognitive Symptoms may leave you a little confused. If you are having trouble remembering things, making decisions, or completing simple tasks than this might also indicate MS.
Other MS Symptoms are many and varied. Remember that no two people have exactly the same set of symptoms. You can have urinary and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, be depressed, tired, have pain, and even problems talking or swallowing.
When to See a Doctor?
So many of the first signs and symptoms of MS are common to other illnesses and yet doctors and researchers often feel that MS may be the cause if these symptoms have lasted for twenty-four hours or more. Whether it is MS or not, its a good idea to discuss most of these symptoms with your doctor anyway. As with any type of disease, the earlier the reason for your health issues is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be.
Resources on MS
The National MS Society website offers the opportunity to connect with a local chapter and lots of information on MS symptoms, treatments, and more. One of the resources on this site is a glossary of terms that relate to MS. You can find this glossary here. This is a great place to get information if you are concerned about the possibility of having MS.
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis typically affects adults for the first time between twenty and forty years old. There isn’t a definitive cause for MS, but there are some effective treatments that can be employed if you are diagnosed with the disease. It is important to speak with your doctor anytime you experience the listed symptoms for a period of twenty-four hours or longer.
No two cases of MS are the same, yet there are common symptoms of the disease that allow doctors to determine if their patients have the disease. Vision issues and extremity numbness are common early indicators of the disease, as are problems with balance, tingling, or weakness. Other first signs and symptoms of MS include fatigue, memory issues, and intolerance to heat.