newsprompt.coMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SYMPTOMS
Recognize Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually the symptoms get better, but then come back. Some may come and go, while others linger.
Keep track of your symptoms to help your physician monitor the course of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Whether you have a diagnosis or are worried about symptoms, know that MS doesn’t have to control your life. You can work with your physician to treat and manage your symptoms so you can stay healthy and continue to live the life you want.
Early Symptoms of MS
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Blurred or double vision
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Thinking problems
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Clumsiness or a lack of coordination
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Loss of balance
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Numbness
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Tingling
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Weakness in an arm or leg
No two people have exactly the same symptoms of MS. You may have a single symptom, and then go months or years without any others. A problem can also happen just one time, go away, and never return. For some people, the symptoms become worse within weeks or months.
Common Symptoms of MS
These are the most common changes to the mind and body in someone with MS. Keep in mind that the severity of symptoms varies greatly and many people go years with only mild symptoms that come and go.
Unusual sensations: People with MS often say they feel a “pins and needles” sensation. They may also have numbness, itching, burning, stabbing, or tearing pains. About half of people with MS have these uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, they can be managed or treated.
Bladder problems: About 8 in 10 people have bladder problems, which can be treated. You may need to urinate more often, need to go at night, or have trouble emptying your bladder fully. Bowel problems, especially constipation, are also common
Trouble walking: MS can cause muscle weakness or spasms, which make it more difficult to walk. Balance problems, numb feet, and fatigue can also make walking more difficult.
Dizziness: You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. You usually won’t have vertigo, or the feeling that the room is spinning.
Muscle Spasm:They usually affect the leg muscles. For about 40% of people they are an early symptom of MS. In progressive MS, muscle spasms affect about 6 in 10 people. You might feel mild stiffness or strong, painful muscle spasms.
Sexual trouble: These include vaginal dryness in women and erection problems in men. Both men and women may be less responsive to touch, have a lower sex drive, or have trouble reaching orgasm.
Speech problems: Sometimes MS can cause people to pause a long time in between words and have slurred or nasal speech. Some people also develop swallowing problems in more advanced stages of MS.
Thinking problems: About half of people with MS have trouble concentrating that comes and goes. For most, this means slowed thinking, poor attention, or fuzzy memory. Rarely, people can have severe problems that make it hard to do daily tasks. MS usually does not change your intellect and ability to read and understand conversation.
Fatigue: About 8 in 10 people feel very tired. It often comes on in the afternoon and causes weak muscles, slowed thinking, or sleepiness. It’s usually not related to the amount of work you do. Some people with MS say they can feel tired even after a good night’s sleep.
Secondary symptoms follow the main problems of MS. For instance, not being able to empty your bladder can lead to a bladder infection.
Physicians or specialists can treat secondary symptoms, but the goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms.
Tertiary symptoms are the social, psychological, and job-related problems of living with MS. For instance, if MS makes it hard for you to walk or drive, you may not be able to do your job well.
Because MS varies so much, it’s best not to compare yourself with other people who have MS. Your experience is likely to be different. Most people learn to manage their symptoms and can keep leading full, active lives.
Consult your health care provider for the correct treatments and remedies.
