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Early Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Dr. Maisie M
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), also known as disseminated sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease in which the antibodies affect the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. The forthcoming Story sheds light on the early signs and symptoms of this disease.
Myelin is the fatty tissue encapsulating the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. When the myelin sheath, surrounding the nerve fibers, gets damaged, it results in MS. The sclerotic sheath affects the underlying flow of the nerve impulses. It affects women (age group of 20 to 40 years) more than men. The early symptoms of MS can follow varied paths in different individuals.
The symptoms of neurologic dysfunction can abruptly cause an exacerbation and recoveries are transient. Signs can be mistaken for a psychiatric illness. As the disease becomes more progressive, the vital functions of walking, writing, speech, and memory are affected. However, the indicants can be well controlled with the recent advances in medical research.

Early Symptoms
The early symptoms of disseminated sclerosis depend upon the extent and type of affected nerve fibers innervating subsequent organs. Myelin possesses the capacity to reform but at a very slow rate.

Physical Symptoms

  • Numbness of the face and body (earliest and the most common symptom)
  • Fatigue
  • Tremors
  • Tingling sensation in the skin
  • Gait problems and body imbalance
  • Gastrointestinal issues like constipation or diarrhea
  • Loss of bladder and bowel function
  • Vision problems
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscular spasms and contractures

Mental Signs Observed

  • Difficulty with concentration
  • Memory loss
  • Poor judgment
  • Depression
  • Mild dementia
  • Psychosis
  • Paranoia
  • Emotional outbursts

Advanced Symptoms

  • Chronic diffusing pain anywhere in the body that may fluctuate without reason. It could be a burning or stabbing sensation or a blunt pressure or an excruciating pain.
  • Voice disorders
  • Dysphagia
  • Jerky eye movements
  • Seizures
  • Dyspnea
  • Dysesthesia
  • Blindness
  • Involuntary leg movements
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Paralysis
Diagnosing the severity and assessing whether disseminated sclerosis is progressive or not still remains a daunting task on account of the unpredictable flare-ups, relapses, and remissions. In rare cases, MS can be fatal to such an extent that it affects the life span. However, in most cases, patients almost live a normal life span but with some limitations in the quality of life.
Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.