Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the abnormal response of the immune system affects the central nervous system. In this condition, the immune system causes inflammation which damages the myelin sheath, or the protective coating over the nerve fibers, as well as the nerve fibers themselves.
The condition can produce a wide array of symptoms, some of which may come and go. Everyone experiences the condition differently in their symptoms. Some of the symptoms MS patients encounter are below and in most cases, these can be the earliest signs of MS to develop.
Tingling or Numbness
Tingling, numbness, and pins-and-needles-like feelings may develop in the extremities. These symptoms occur when there are disruptions to nerve signals. Numbness often occurs in the fingers, face, legs, and arms.
Pain
Widespread discomfort may develop in MS, and is experienced by roughly half of all patients. Muscles may feel tight, and also, painful spasms may occur.
Vision Problems
Vision changes including loss of vision, double vision, or flashes may develop. This is because Multiple Sclerosis can affect the optic nerve and visual field.
Balance Issues
Loss of coordination or balance can affect your gait or the way that you walk. You may find yourself feeling lightheaded or dizzy when you stand up as well.
Fatigue
With more than 80 percent of patients experiencing this symptom, fatigue is one of the most common characteristics of MS. It can impede a patient’s ability to work and complete household activities and is one of the most common reasons people with MS leave the workforce earlier than expected.
Emotional Changes
Changes to emotional health, including depression, mood swings, and irritability, are common in MS. The condition can also lead to the pseudobulbar affect or uncontrollable periods of laughter or crying.
Cognitive Impairment
Some people with MS will experience cognitive changes, such as problems with organization, language, and learning. They may also experience a shortened attention span.
Bowel or Bladder Issues
Bladder dysfunction is also a very common symptom in MS, with 80 percent of patients experiencing this frustrating symptom. Bladder-related issues can include frequent urination, a sudden need to urinate, or difficulty holding in urine. Bowel symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea are less common but can occur.
Sexual Dysfunction
Since MS affects the central nervous system, which is responsible for sexual arousal, issues such as difficulty reaching orgasm can happen. People with MS may also become less interested in sex.
While these are some of the earliest symptoms of MS, they aren’t always indicative of the disease. Many other conditions, including sleep deprivation and vitamin deficiencies, bear similar symptoms. If you experience these or other unfamiliar symptoms that persist, it’s always a good idea to see a medical professional for an expert opinion.
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This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.