Multiple Sclerosis Warning Signs

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and the spinal cord. It is a neurological disorder in which the protective covering of the nerves are destroyed by the immune system itself. The nerves are insulated and protected by fatty myelin sheaths. Without myelin sheath covering, nerves cannot effectively conduct messages from the brain to the different parts of the body. If a person is having multiple sclerosis, this protective sheath or myelin is damaged through a process called demyelination. This affects the transmission of messages (in the form of electrical impulses) from the brain to other parts of the body. Apart from destroying the myelin sheath, this disease also causes buildup of scar tissues in the brain and the spinal cord and the name multiple sclerosis is derived from this feature.

In short, multiple sclerosis affects the capacity of the brain to send and receive messages from other body parts. It is this inability of the brain that results in the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, that vary widely due to the difference in the locations of scar tissue and the severity and extent of demyelination. Even the multiple sclerosis warning signs may vary widely and are found to be difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of other health problems. So, a basic understanding about the warning signs of multiple sclerosis may help in the early detection of the disease.

Multiple Sclerosis Early Warning Signs

As mentioned above, detecting multiple sclerosis, especially, in the early stages is a much difficult task. This is because the symptoms may vary from one person to another and also from time to time. Multiple sclerosis warning signs may come and go and the person may not experience any symptoms for longer intervals. Most of the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may not be related to each other and may appear strange. So, it is always better to have a brief idea about the multiple sclerosis warning signs so that you can discuss with your doctor. The following are some of the possible early warning signs of multiple sclerosis.

• Numbness and tingling in the limbs (may be concentrated on limbs on one side of the body). Sometimes, numbness may be accompanied by pain too.
• Early stages of multiple sclerosis may also be characterized by vertigo and dizziness. While, some people feel a lightheadedness, some others experience a spinning sensation.
• One of the common multiple sclerosis warning signs is painful eye movements that may cause partial or complete loss of vision for some time. Even blurred vision, double vision, black spots, etc. are experienced by the affected people.
• Fatigue is one among the multiple sclerosis warning signs. The person may experience a loss of strength in the limbs and an overall weakness that can make him/her get easily tired.
• Some of the affected people experience shock-like sensations inside the head, as early symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis.
• The affected people may also experience difficulty in speaking, tremors, lack of coordination, muscle spasms, urinary incontinence, frequent memory loss, learning problems, etc.
• Emotional outbursts and mood swings are also considered as the warning signs of multiple sclerosis.

In short, this is a brief overview of the multiple sclerosis warning signs. There can be many more possible warning signs of this disease, which is mainly seen in women. Usually, such signs are believed to appear between the age of 20 and 40. It is said that the risk of multiple sclerosis decreases after the age of 50. The early warning signs may not even get noticed and may also be attributed to other health problems. These signs may disappear and relapse. It has been observed that the relapse of the symptoms are often preceded by stress, strenuous physical activity, trauma, infection, etc. It cannot be said that the above mentioned early symptoms of multiple sclerosis are conclusive proof for the disease, as it may or may not point towards the occurrence of this disease. While, some of the affected people experience many of these symptoms, some others may not have even a single one. That is why the diagnosis of this disease is very difficult. So, if you experience more than one of the above said symptoms, that too for a long time, it is better to consult your doctor, because, early diagnosis can be always helpful in tackling this disease.