Vision problems, numbness, and extreme fatigue are potential warning signs of multiple sclerosis, a prevalent autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The condition is said to impact around 2.5 million people worldwide. While multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, it can be managed to the extent that it does not significantly affect a person’s routine activities. This post discusses five common early warning signs of multiple sclerosis one should look out for. 

What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as a threat and attacks them. The reason behind this faulty immune response is not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the myelin sheath, a protective layer surrounding nerve fibers in the CNS. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to various neurological symptoms and deteriorating health.

Doctors typically diagnose the health condition by examining a person’s health history and performing imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Treatment usually involves modifying the immune system, managing symptoms, and reducing the frequency and severity of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Relapsing multiple sclerosis is a type of multiple sclerosis that keeps recurring after periods of partial or complete recovery. Around 85% of people who develop multiple sclerosis are initially diagnosed with the relapsing type.

Early warning signs of multiple sclerosis
Most people with the condition can manage their symptoms and lead full, productive lives with the help of treatment, lifestyle changes, and support from healthcare providers and loved ones. However, before opting for treatment, one must know the symptoms and get a confirmed diagnosis:

Vision problems
Many with multiple sclerosis suffer from optic neuritis or inflammation of the option nerve. It can cause severe vision loss in one or both eyes and pain when moving the eye from side to side or up to down. In addition, one may experience blurred image recognition, night blindness, inability to perceive colors, and light sensitivity due to alterations in the visual processing areas of the brain. Fortunately, there are treatments for reducing the severity of these signs and improving visual quality. 

Other eyesight problems multiple sclerosis patients may notice are double vision, ocular alignment issues, and an unsteady gaze. Double vision is caused by the brain’s inability to control eye muscles. Ocular alignment issues (eyes looking in different directions) occur due to damage or inflammation of the nerves controlling eye movement . An unsteady gaze results from the retina’s inability to consistently focus on a single object.

Fatigue
Fatigue is a common and often disabling symptom experienced by those with this disorder. The overwhelming sense of weariness or exhaustion can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out usual tasks or activities. The body’s energy levels may fluctuate, making it difficult to maintain a regular work routine. Moreover, fatigue can lead to mental fog, making activities like paying attention, following conversations, and basic problem-solving, straining.

A lack of quality sleep is one reason for fatigue. Studies suggest that more than 50% of people with the disorder experience difficulty sleeping. Another factor contributing to fatigue is the damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. When this sheath is damaged, nerve impulses can be slowed or disrupted, leading to various symptoms.

Numbness or tingling
As mentioned, multiple sclerosis damages the protective coating of the nerves that send electrical impulses to different organs. This leads to a disruption in nerve signals, which can cause numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in different body parts.

In people with relapsing multiple sclerosis, numbness may appear intermittently, making it difficult to assess its severity and duration. Furthermore, the location of the numbness varies between patients, making it an unpredictable yet noticeable indication of the disease.

Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms are another problem experienced by those with multiple sclerosis. They occur when the muscles contract slightly or entirely without warning. The spasms are sharp and painful and can last long. The most commonly affected areas are the legs, specifically around the thigh and calf muscles. Muscle spasms can be localized (focusing on one muscle or area) or generalized (affecting multiple body parts).

Like numbness and tingling, muscle spasms result from the body’s failure to correctly transport nerve signals from the brain to the respective muscle groups. The muscles contract involuntarily and cause pain. Besides spasms, one may experience uncontrollable twitches and jerky movements that last a few seconds or minutes, hindering everyday activities.

Cognitive impairment
Cognitive impairment is a term used to describe a range of symptoms like difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and slowed thought processing. These problems can result from lesion build-up in specific brain areas. The impairments can become severe enough to impact a person’s daily life significantly.

Cognitive impairment may worsen as the disease progresses, further impacting a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, people can prevent that from happening by making lifestyle adjustments, signing up for cognitive behavioral therapy, and using doctor-recommended treatments.

Living with multiple sclerosis is a challenge. Individuals must be aware of the possible early warning signs and visit a healthcare expert at the earliest on experiencing them. This ensures timely diagnosis, treatment, and management. While the most common early warning sign is vision changes or temporary blindness, the signs can vary among individuals. For example, some may not experience vision impairments but develop numbness in their hands or extreme fatigue. One must pay close attention to these symptoms if they occur together. Those already diagnosed with multiple sclerosis should keep an up-to-date account if their symptoms evolve. It helps the healthcare provider better tailor the treatment plan.