Identify Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis afflicts some 400,000
people in the United States and some 2.5 million people around the
world. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous
system that arises when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets the
fatty substance that protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed as men are, and they normally
occur between the ages of 15 and 60. This guide will show you how to
identify the tell-tale signs of the onset of multiple sclerosis:
1. Weakness and fatigue
Some 80% of people that develop MS develop
unexplained muscle weaknesses. These usually start in their legs and
then progress to other bodily areas. These weaknesses are also
associated with chronic fatigue that lasts for weeks before improving.
2. Vision problems
MS can cause the optic nerve to become
inflamed, which results in deteriorating eyesight. If part of your field
of vision is becoming blurry or you’ve been having episodes of double
vision, you should definitely talk to your doctor.
3. Pain and muscle spasms
People with MS also tend to develop
relentless leg pain, stiff muscles and/or muscle spasms. Some 55% of all
MS sufferers experience significant pain at some point during their
illness, and pains and muscle spasms are more common in female MS
sufferers.
4. Bladder problems
If you feel like you’re constantly running to the bathroom or are having
difficulty getting there fast enough, it could be a sign of MS. Some
tell-tale signs of MS can include frequent urination, strong urges to
urinate and incontinence. Another potential symptom is bladder
dysfunction.
5. Memory trouble
Due to its impact on the nervous system, cognitive problems can arise as
a result of developing MS. These can be language or memory slip-ups,
trouble keeping organized, or a shortening attention span. With that
being said, only 5-10% of MS sufferers develop symptoms significant
enough to have an impact on their daily lives.