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Early MS symptoms are not specific and may indicate many other conditions. This is one of the reasons why it is difficult to make a proper diagnosis and many people wait for it for months. Meanwhile, the sooner MS is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance that the patient will remain fit for many years. What complaints and symptoms might indicate multiple sclerosis? Which of them should be particularly worrying?

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis(MS - sclerosis multiplex) most often appear between the ages of 20 and 40. They can be easily confused with other ailments - especially if they appear sporadically and are relatively mild. Many patients then look for the cause, first of all, in a too fast pace of life, stress or an improper diet.

Although the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis usually do not cause anxiety in patients, they should not be taken lightly. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive autoimmune disease - cells of the immune system, instead of defending the body against pathogens, begin to destroy the myelin sheaths of nerves, leading to disability.

There is no effective drug for multiple sclerosis yet: there are therapies that alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease, significantly improving the patient's condition and extending their efficiency for many years.

It is worth knowing, however, thatthe first symptoms of multiple sclerosiswill not be the same for everyone - and not every symptom will appear in everyone. This is due to the specificity of multiple sclerosis, a disease that is sometimes called the 1000-face disease - because no two patients have the same disease. The early symptoms of multiple sclerosis are closely related to which area of ​​the nervous system is affected by MS. They are also so mild that initially many people underestimate the symptoms of the disease.

So what are the most common first symptoms of multiple sclerosis and what should be worrying?

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis - vision problems

Vision problems are recognized as one of the earliest symptoms of multiple sclerosis. They occur as a result of changes taking place inoptic nerve and, as a result, retrobulbar inflammation of the optic nerve. The symptoms are mainly blurred, blurred vision, color vision disturbance, double vision, loss of contrast, "faded" image, pain in the eyeball.

Some people may become suddenly blind or even blind. These symptoms may appear gradually and over a period of a few days, or occur suddenly, or may disappear and recur.

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis - chronic fatigue

Feeling of chronic fatigue even after a night's sleep, excessive sleepiness, a sense of extreme exhaustion, loss of energy - both physical and mental - is a symptom characteristic of MS: it occurs even in about 90% of people. people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

May appear alone or in combination with other symptoms such as sleep disturbance, loss of muscle strength, and depression, and worsens when the environment is warm and humid.

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis - muscle pain and cramps

Already in the early stages of the disease, some people may experience painful muscle spasms, especially those of the legs. Many patients complain about them, especially after a long walk. Other musculoskeletal symptoms that may signal multiple sclerosis include muscle tension and a feeling of stiffness, making it difficult to move freely.

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis - symptoms of the locomotor system

Dizziness and balance problems, as well as coordination problems, stumbling, weakness in the legs, bumping into door frames, objects falling out of the hands, handwriting deterioration - all that many take for ordinary clumsiness, may suggest multiple sclerosis. These symptoms may be related to the seizure of the nerve centers responsible for movement by the disease.

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis - numbness and tingling in the limbs

Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs (including fingers) and face are also common in the initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Initially, they are mild and disappear quickly, but over time they become stronger and may be joined by others - for example, Lermitte's symptom described as a feeling of electricity that runs along the spine and limbs after bending the head to the chest.

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis - sphincter dysfunction

As much as 90 percent patients with multiple sclerosis have problems with the bladder - many patients feel a strong pressure on the bladder and the need to urinate frequently,also at night, as well as a feeling of not being able to empty your bladder completely. One of the warning signals may also be NTM - urinary incontinence. Some people also have difficulty passing urine and have problems passing or keeping stools.

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis - problems with memory, speech, emotions

Problems with concentration, focusing attention, remembering, speaking (slurred speech), and slower processing of information may also be an initial symptom of multiple sclerosis. Mood swings (from euphoria to irritability) as well as emotional disorders such as anxiety and even depression are also common.

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis and the diagnosis of MS

Early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is crucial for the further life of the patient - early treatment may slow down the development of the disease. Therefore, if you notice any suspicious symptoms (including other ones, as MS can attack every part of the nervous system), be sure to contact your doctor.

The diagnosis of MS is primarily a thorough neurological examination, the results of which show whether the disease has attacked the nervous system, and if so, which part of it. It is also necessary to perform an MRI of the head and the spine in which, according to the doctor, neurological changes may have occurred. Sometimes a lumbar puncture and other tests ordered by a doctor are necessary.

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