Table of contents:
- Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms
- 1. Impaired vision
- 2. Balance problems and headaches
- 3. Chronic fatigue
- 4. Tingling and numbness
- 5. Decreased bladder and bowel function
- 6. Cognitive and emotional problems
- 7. Muscle stiffness and spasms
Having multiple sclerosis (MS) means that the body has a problem with the immune system that attacks central nerve cells, especially in the brain, spinal cord, and eye nerves. This disease has various symptoms so that a person is often not aware of this disease. Some experience one symptom, then months or even years after different symptoms develop. A study says, from the onset of symptoms until the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis takes seven years. So, what are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis signs and symptoms
1. Impaired vision
If you experience blurry eyes after staring at a computer screen for too long, this is a natural thing. However, if the vision tends to become dim, blurry, causing double vision, and even loss of vision, especially in only one eye, then this condition is called optic neuritis.
Optic neuritis is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis which causes inflammation of the nerves in the eye. Sufferers tend to feel pain when moving their eyes or decreased vision in striking colors. For example, the red color will look faded and duller to grayish red. However, optic neuritis is not always associated with multiple sclerosis because it can also be caused by infection, vitamin deficiency, or other autoimmune diseases.
2. Balance problems and headaches
One of the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis is vertigo or a severe headache that makes the head feel spinning. The sufferer feels like he is in a moving room or is on a swinging ship, as a result, nausea, vomiting occurs, so he is unable to move or move places.
Vertigo attacks or dizziness are not always associated with multiple sclerosis. It may also be caused by problems with the inner ear, anemia, low blood sugar, hypotension, or consumption of certain drugs. So, ask the doctor to find out the exact cause.
3. Chronic fatigue
Watch out for times when you feel fatigue that tends to be severe and doesn't go away for weeks. The reason is, this can be one of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis which is eating away at your spinal cord. Chronic fatigue makes sufferers find it difficult to do various things, even the simplest activities.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue can also be caused due to thyroid complications, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and other serious medical conditions. So, do not take it lightly if you feel this constantly and immediately visit the doctor for further treatment.
4. Tingling and numbness
Tingling and numbness that can be felt for days on end are early symptoms of multiple sclerosis that need to be watched out for. This is a sign that the central nervous system in the brain and spinal cord is starting to suffer damage, so that the brain is unable to send movement signals to other parts of the body.
The parts of the body that experience tingling are usually felt on the face, arms, hands and feet so that it becomes difficult for sufferers to walk. Some of them feel the sensation of water dripping all over their body or like an insect is crawling on their skin.
5. Decreased bladder and bowel function
Decreased bladder function is one of the symptoms that occurs in 80 percent of people with multiple sclerosis. According to Kathleen Costello, a nurse practitioner and deputy health access midwife at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, many sufferers complain that they often go back and forth to the bathroom because they are unable to hold urine (urinary incontinence), especially at night.
Some sufferers also have problems with their bowel function, including constipation, diarrhea, and uncontrolled bowel movements.
6. Cognitive and emotional problems
Reporting from WebMD, half of multiple sclerosis sufferers develop several cognitive problems, including memory problems, language problems, sleep disorders, memory problems, difficulty multitasking , and problems with concentration or focusing. This is because the nervous system in the brain is disrupted, making it difficult for sufferers to control themselves to carry out regular bodily functions.
When it comes to emotional symptoms, people with multiple sclerosis tend to become irritable, depressed, and have drastic mood swings that can burst into tears or laugh.
7. Muscle stiffness and spasms
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, half of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experience chronic pain that's accompanied by spasms, limb weakness, and stiff muscles. Stiffness is most common in the leg muscles because it is part of the weight-bearing part of the body as a whole.
If you experience one or more of the multiple sclerosis symptoms above, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will likely perform a number of tests to determine your symptoms, including:
- Blood tests to check for other problems with symptoms similar to those of multiple sclerosis, such as Lyme disease.
- A test to measure the speed of signals in the nerves of the body.
- MRI examination to see areas of damage to brain organs.
- Examination of the spine to check the condition of the fluid flowing in the brain and spinal cord.
