5 early signs of multiple sclerosis

The immune system protects the body against harmful pathogens. When potentially dangerous agents enter the body, the immune system acts promptly to nullify their effects. However, at times, the immune system acts strangely and attacks the healthy cells in the body. Diseases caused due to this effect are called autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one such autoimmune disease, which affects the brain and spinal cord.

In MS, the immune system disrupts the communication between the brain and spinal cord by attacking myelin, an insulating sheath that protects the nerves in the two organs.

5 early signs of multiple sclerosis
When the myelin sheath gets damaged, the nerves within it also suffer, leading to a range of problems.

Since there is no definitive cure for MS, managing symptoms is the only way to help someone recover. Getting the symptoms diagnosed early can also help prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some of the earliest symptoms of MS to watch out for.

  • Vision concerns
    The optic nerve sends visual signals to the brain, which then converts into image impulses, helping us see the things that we do. MS, though, has a profound effect on the brain. Hence, by extension, it also adversely affects vision, causing problems like double vision and loss of vision.
  • Problems with movement
    This again stems from the effects of MS on the central nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are together responsible for coordination, balance, and awareness. By damaging the myelin sheath, MS disrupts communication between the two pillars of the central nervous system, causing dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.
  • Numbness
    Nerves carry signals throughout the body. When they’re damaged, the signals they send also suffer. Alternatively, they might not send signals at all, further causing numbness. It is one of the most common symptoms of MS, so look out for it.
  • Fatigue and weakness
    Many common diseases also cause fatigue and weakness, but when it lasts for weeks, it could be a sign of MS. Get yourself checked with your doctor, as about 80% of patients with MS in the country suffer from fatigue and weakness in the early stages.
  • Deteriorating emotional health
    Many MS patients suffer from depression, mood swings, and strange behavior. It again comes directly from the effect the disease has on the central nervous system.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.
Previous Article
Next Article

Trending Articles

Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis – Criteria and Tests

Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis – Criteria and Tests

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune health condition that affects the central nervous system. It develops when the immune system accidentally attacks the myelin sheath, which covers nerve fibers.  This  causes disrupted communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Read More
Multiple sclerosis: Types and treatments

Multiple sclerosis: Types and treatments

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a neurological condition wherein the protective covering of the nerve cells is affected, leading to dysfunction in the brain and spinal cord. The first neurological incident indicative of MS is called Clinically Isolated Syndrome or CIS.
Read More