Early Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease. Although no two cases are identical, recognizing common early symptoms can help a patient get proper treatment in a timely manner and slow the progress of the disease.

Time Frame

Doctors most often diagnose multiple sclerosis in a person's late 20s. Patients diagnosed after age 50 are likely to have more steady disease progression.

Features

Anything controlled by the brain could be affected, but common symptoms include: fatigue, numbness, balance and coordination problems, bladder or bowel dysfunction, vision problems, dizziness and vertigo.

Identification

Neurological symptoms that come and go (relapse/remit), and lesions on the brain or spine (discovered by an MRI) can be early signs of multiple sclerosis.

Symptom Management

Fatigue and heat can exacerbate symptoms, so patients should be mindful of their exhaustion level and avoid becoming overheated. Resting for a few minutes can alleviate symptoms.

Warning

Because early symptoms often resolve fairly quickly, it is easy to dismiss them. Early treatment will increase your chances of maintaining function and mobility over the course of the disease.

Misconceptions

With the use of MRI testing to find lesions or brain damage, patients no longer need to wait for a second flare-up or attack get a diagnosis and begin treatment.

References

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Shared Solutions