The First Signs of Multiple Sclerosis You Can Get at Any Age

The first signs of Multiple Sclerosis can usually be spotted very early before a person is diagnosed with the condition years later. The symptoms can be wide and varied and may affect people differently. The article is for educational purposes only. Seek for medical advice if you think you have symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

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What are the First Signs of Multiple Sclerosis?

One of the most common signs of MS are vision problems. These are typically caused by involuntary eye movement issues, double vision or optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that carries messages from the eye to the brain.

Female nursing staff standing with an elderly woman having the first signs of multiple sclerosis

Doctors have also spoken of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), in which a person can have one symptom or multiple episodes.

One of the first signs of Multiple Sclerosis – and typical of CIS – is numbness and tingling in the legs. This can also be accompanied by shocks during movement of the head and neck. These feelings can also travel down the spine and into the arms. Such unpleasant sensations should not be easily dismissed. Some symptoms can be experienced by one person but not by others.

Another issue that can cause alarm is the sudden onset of dizziness, a lack of balance or coordination. These combined are potentially the first signs of MS. The lack of mobility, perceived clumsiness and problems walking could seriously affect a person’s sense of worth.

Other issues that could be potential symptoms of MS can include bladder problems, stiffness, fatigue, shaking or tremors, memory recall and thinking, slurred speech, and bowel problems, including constipation.

While all these can often be the first signs of Multiple Sclerosis, they can also be symptoms of other conditions. So, seeking a doctor’s, or a neurologist’s help, for a diagnosis is highly recommended.

Can symptoms appear suddenly?

Symptoms of MS can come and go. Just as one symptom can flare up and persist for several seconds, it can just as quickly disappear, never to appear again, or not for years.

Because attacks can range from mild to severe, the ability to manage MS can be unpredictable. Many sufferers speak of a gradual worsening of symptoms over a period of time. Yet, there can be months and years where people’s conditions enter remission and stabilize.

Can you live a normal life with MS?

If the first signs of Multiple Sclerosis have worsened, and sufferers are experiencing a combination of issues from fatigue, slurred speech, fatigue, stiffness and a lack of balance, then they will look to limit their daily activities, or seek to adapt their lifestyles.

One of the best ways to live with MS is to listen to your body and diary the symptoms and at what times they occur. These insights can offer your doctor or neurologist an idea of when and how often they strike. They can potentially discuss a plan of action to enable you to live with MS.

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.