Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis occurs when the immune system becomes confused and begins attacking healthy tissues that cover nerve fibers in the body. When this happens, it causes nerve problems between the brain and the spinal cord. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease, affects the myelin, the protective covering of your nerve fibers. As the myelin becomes damaged, your nerves can become damaged and eventually deteriorate, which can cause several symptoms. Learn the early signs of multiple Sclerosis to know what to look for and seek help when they arrive.

When Does Multiple Sclerosis Usually Begin?

Although multiple Sclerosis can happen at any age, most people begin having early warning signs of Multiple Sclerosis between 20 and 50 years old. Three times as many women than men are diagnosed with MS, which has led researchers to think that hormones may increase the risk of developing MS. Finally, MS occurs more often in areas further from the equator.

Multiple Sclerosis can have unpredictable symptoms. The intensity of your symptoms can vary, so it’s important to know what to look for. Many people experience numbness and fatigue. However, it is essential to note that severe cases can lead to diminished brain function, vision loss, and even paralysis. When these signs first begin, you may brush them off; however, by understanding what Multiple Sclerosis is and knowing the first sign of multiple Sclerosis, you can quickly get the help you need to help manage your MS.

Early Multiple Sclerosis Signs

Multiple Sclerosis initial symptoms can easily be overlooked or confused with other diseases. MS symptoms can vary from person to person, and the symptoms can fluctuate or change over time. One individual may only have one or two symptoms, while another may have many symptoms of MS. 

The following list of symptoms can help you determine whether to visit a doctor. Rehabilitation protocols, medications, and Multiple Sclerosis management strategies can control most symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

Bladder Issues

Bladder dysfunction impacts many individuals with multiple Sclerosis (MS). Lesions caused by MS may delay or block the nerve impulses that control the bladder and urinary sphincter. The most common bladder issues include frequent urination, hesitancy, incontinence, nighttime urination, and the inability to empty the bladder. Fluid management and medications are the two most common ways to manage MS-related bladder issues.

Bowel Problems

People with Multiple Sclerosis often experience bowel dysfunction. Common bowel issues include diarrhea, constipation, and loss of control of your bowels. You can correct these bowel issues through dietary changes, increased physical activity, medications, and adequate fluid intake.

Cognitive Issues

Cognitive issues can occur with MS. Multiple Sclerosis affects cognition in many ways, including how you solve problems, perform calculations, learn, concentrate, remember, and use language. It can impact:

• Information Processing—MS can cause problems processing information gathered by your five senses.
• Memory—You may have difficulty learning, retaining, and retrieving information.
• Attention and Concentration—You may not be able to maintain your attention, especially when trying to multitask, such as cooking dinner while talking on the phone or driving with a passenger.
• Executive Functions—You may have difficulty planning and prioritizing tasks.
• Visuospatial Functions—You may have difficulty putting things together, drawing, and performing simple tasks. Your depth and distance perception are also affected.
• Verbal Fluency—Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis often have difficulty finding the proper words when in conversation. In addition to having trouble using language, you may have problems understanding it.

Dysesthesia

Dysesthesia, often referred to as the MS Hug, is usually an early sign of multiple Sclerosis. It is a squeezing sensation around the midsection, similar to a blood pressure cuff tightening around the torso. If you are experiencing this, schedule an appointment with your functional medicine doctor and discuss your MS symptoms.

Emotional Issues

Living with Multiple Sclerosis is hard. There are so many uncomfortable symptoms it can make it difficult to cope. MS can lead to periods of intense emotion. You may experience mood swings, uncontrollable crying, uncontrollable laughter, anxiety, and irritability. Finally, MS is also associated with clinical depression.

Fatigue

Most people with MS experience significant fatigue that can interfere with an individual’s ability to function fully. MS-related fatigue is different from just being tired. Furthermore, it is different from other types of fatigue.

• MS fatigue comes and goes suddenly.
• MS fatigue gets worse when it is hot and humid.
• MS fatigue interferes with your day-to-day responsibilities.
• MS fatigue is more severe than other types of fatigue.
• MS fatigue occurs in the early morning, even if you sleep a restful night.
• MS fatigue typically happens daily.
• MS fatigue worsens as the day goes on.

Gait Issues

Walking problems are among the most common mobility problems associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Several things can lead to gait problems, including: 

• Spasticity—Spasticity is the medical term for involuntary muscle spasms and stiffness. They can range in intensity from mild tightness to uncontrollable, painful muscle spasms. Spasticity can also cause tightness or pain around your joints, leading to low back pain. 
• Balance Problems—Multiple Sclerosis can cause a variety of balance problems. Those suffering from balance issues often have a swaying or drunken gait. They may also have poor muscle control, making them clumsy and having difficulty with balance and walking.
• Sensory Problems—Individuals suffering from MS can experience severe numbness of their lower extremities, which can cause them not to know where their feet are because they cannot feel the floor.
• Fatigue—Individuals experiencing severe fatigue may have difficulty walking. They may feel too tired to lift their feet, so they drag or shuffle when walking.
• Weakness—Weakness in the leg muscles often occurs with Multiple Sclerosis. As weakness worsens, your stride can change, leading to a change in how you walk.

Pain

The pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can affect one’s ability to enjoy life and perform everyday tasks. Many MS sufferers are surprised to learn that there are different causes of their pain. For example, pain can be due to the damage MS causes to the nervous system, which is called neuropathic pain. MS can also affect one’s gait and lead to changes in one’s body and pain in one’s joints and muscles (musculoskeletal pain). An integrative doctor can help one with the holistic treatment of pain.

Sexual Issues

Sexual issues often plague people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Because sexual arousal starts in the nervous system, arousal and orgasm can be negatively affected by Multiple Sclerosis. In addition to the physical changes in the body, MS can cause several emotional issues that can affect your sexuality and can reduce your libido. 

Vertigo

Individuals who have Multiple Sclerosis may experience dizziness. MS can cause you to feel lightheaded or off balance. In addition, you may experience vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. Vertigo and dizziness are due to lesions on the pathways the brain uses to help maintain balance and equilibrium.

Vision Problems

Vision issues commonly affect individuals with MS. Inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis) can cause eye pain, dim vision, blurred vision, and color blindness. Typically, optic neuritis only affects one eye. Although this symptom can be scary, proper treatment restores vision. Other vision issues include nystagmus (involuntary, uncontrollable eye movement) and double vision.

Holistic Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis can affect every area of your life, including your physical health, social life, vocational life, and emotional health. If you are experiencing signs of Multiple Sclerosis, talk to a doctor who understands how the body is interconnected and can help with autoimmune diseases. Our practitioners work with you to develop a customized Multiple Sclerosis treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.