Early Symptoms of MS Recognize the early signs of multiple sclerosis to ensure early diagnosis and proactive treatment for better management.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, known as myelin, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Although the symptoms of MS vary greatly from person to person, there are some common early warning signs that people should be aware of to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

• 1. 1. Fatigue: Experiencing an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that is not relieved by rest is a common early symptom of MS. This fatigue can often be debilitating, interfering with daily activities.
• 2. 2. Vision problems: Another of the first symptoms of MS is blurred or double vision, often accompanied by eye pain or discomfort. Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, can cause these visual disorders.
• 3. Numbness and tingling: Many people with MS experience sensations of tingling or numbness in the face, extremities, or body. This symptom is usually attributed to nerve damage that occurs in the early stages of the disease.

In addition to these primary symptoms, some people may also experience coordination and balance difficulties, muscle weakness, and memory and concentration problems. It is important to note that these early MS symptoms can have a variety of causes, and the presence of one or more does not necessarily indicate the presence of the disease. However, if a person experiences any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it is essential that they consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate medical care.

First symptoms of multiple sclerosis

1. Fatigue: One of the most common first symptoms of MS is a persistent feeling of exhaustion or fatigue. This is not just normal tiredness that can be relieved by rest; It is a debilitating fatigue that can affect daily activities and worsen in heat and humidity.

2. Numbness and tingling: Another frequent early sign of EM is the feeling of numbness or tingling in various parts of the body. This usually occurs in the extremities, such as arms, legs or fingers, but can also affect the face or other areas. These abnormal sensations, known as paresthesia, can be intermittent or constant and appear and disappear unpredictably.

“Early intervention can help control the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients.”

• 3. Vision Problems: Blurred or double vision, as well as eye pain, can be early EM indicators. Optical neuritis, inflammation of the optical nerve, is frequent in patients with EM and can cause alterations of the vision or even temporary loss of it.
• 4. Balance and coordination difficulties: EM people usually experience balance and coordination problems in the early stages of the disease. This can manifest as awkwardness, stumbling or difficulty walking in a straight line.

Recognize and treat these early symptoms is crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis and initiate proper treatment. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it is important that you consult a healthcare professional to obtain an exhaustive evaluation and adequate orientation.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

First symptoms of EM

• 1. Fatigue: One of the first most common symptoms of EM is inexplicable fatigue, which may appear even after a good night sleep. This intense exhaustion can have an impact on everyday activities and worsen as the day progresses.
• 2. Numbness and tingling: Many people with EM experience abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling in different parts of the body. These sensations, also known as paresthesia, usually feel in the face, arms, legs or fingers.
• 3. Muscle weakness: muscle weakness, especially in the limbs, is another of the first signs of EM. This weakness can make it difficult to carry out tasks that require strength and coordination.

It is important to keep in mind that these first EM symptoms can be nonspecific and simulate other medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Aside from the initial symptoms mentioned, people with MS may experience other early signs, such as blurred vision, dizziness, coordination problems, balance difficulties, and cognitive changes. The progression and severity of symptoms can vary: some people experience mild symptoms, while others may develop more disabling symptoms.

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis

Diagnosing MS can be difficult due to the diversity and variability of symptoms. The definitive diagnosis usually requires a combination of clinical history, neurological examination and various diagnostic tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to detect lesions or areas of demyelination in the CNS. Additionally, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and evoked potential testing may be performed to obtain more information.

Recognizing the Early Signs

– Sensory Changes

One of the first indicators of MS is sensory changes. Patients may experience numbness or tingling in the extremities, face, or other parts of the body. At first, these sensations may come and go, so they may go unnoticed. It is crucial to pay attention to any unusual sensations and report them to a healthcare professional. Sensory changes are often an early warning sign of MS and should not be ignored.

– Vision Problems

Another frequent early symptom of EM is vision problems. Patients may experience blurred vision, double vision or pain behind the eye. These vision problems can occur in one or both eyes and can be temporary or persistent. It is important to remember that not all vision problems are related to EM, but if you notice any inexplicable change in your vision, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist for a more exhaustive evaluation.

“The early detection and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can significantly influence the prognosis and treatment results.”

– Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms in various medical conditions, but they can also be early signs of EM. Patients may experience inexplicable exhaustion, lack of energy and muscle weakness even with minimal physical activity. These symptoms can significantly affect daily life and should not be ruled out as normal fatigue. If you experience excessive fatigue or inexplicable weakness, it is important that you comment with your health professional to rule out any underlying condition, such as EM.

– Problems with Balance and Coordination

Balance and coordination difficulties are usually early signs of EM. Patients may notice frequent stumbling blocks, unstable march or difficulties with fine motor skills. These problems are due to the effects of EM in the nervous system, which affect the body’s ability to maintain balance and coordinate movements effectively. If you experience persistent balance or coordination problems, it is essential that you go to the doctor to perform an exhaustive evaluation.

“Recognizing the first signs of multiple sclerosis can lead to timely diagnosis and adequate therapeutic interventions.”

Awareness and rapid action are essential when recognizing the first signs of multiple sclerosis. Any unusual feeling, vision problems, fatigue, weakness or balance problems must communicate to a healthcare professional for evaluation. Early detection can lead to a more effective treatment and an improvement in the quality of life of patients with EM.

Vision Problems: A Common First Symptom

Visual functions affected:

• Blurry vision
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Loss of contrast or vision of colors
• Problems with the perception of depth
• Painful eye movements
• Uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus)

Multiple sclerosis can damage the optic nerves or disrupt communication between them and the brain. This can lead to a wide range of visual disturbances. Studies suggest that approximately 50-70% of people with MS experience vision problems at some point in the course of the disease.

One of the most common visual problems is blurred vision, which can cause objects to appear blurred or out of focus. Double vision, another common symptom, occurs when the eyes cannot align properly, causing overlapping images. Loss of contrast or color vision can make it difficult to distinguish between shades or perceive vibrant colors as intensely as before.

In some cases, people with MS may experience difficulties with depth perception and have trouble judging distances accurately. This can lead to coordination problems and an increased risk of falls. Painful eye movements or eye discomfort are also among the visual symptoms that people may face, making it uncomfortable to shift their gaze or move their eyes. Uncontrolled eye movements, known as nystagmus, can cause involuntary eye twitching, affecting visual stability.

Numbness and Tingling: The Early Sensations

One of the key factors that distinguishes the numbness and tingling associated with MS is the distribution pattern. Unlike generalized numbness that can be caused by nerve compression in the spine, the numbness and tingling associated with MS usually have a specific distribution throughout the extremities or body. It usually affects one side of the body or a specific area, such as the fingers, toes, or face.

Common Early Sensations of MS:

1. Pins and needles: Many people with MS describe a feeling like pins and needles, which often occurs in the hands, feet, or extremities. It may be accompanied by numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area.

2. Burning sensation: Some people may experience a burning or stinging sensation, which may be uncomfortable or even painful. This sensation can be persistent or intermittent and occur in various parts of the body.

3. Crawling sensation: Another peculiar sensation associated with MS is a sensation of insects crawling on the skin, commonly known as formication. This sensation can be disturbing and may also be accompanied by itching or increased sensitivity to touch.

It is important to note that these first sensations of numbness and tingling are not always indicative of EM. However, if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms persistently or in combination with other signs related to EM, it is crucial to seek medical attention for adequate evaluation and diagnosis. EM early detection can lead to an earlier intervention and management strategies that help slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life in general.

The Overwhelming Early Symptom: Fatigue

Understand the nature of fatigue in EM:

• Fatigue related to EM affects approximately 80% of people who suffer from it.
• It is important to distinguish fatigue related to the EM of usual fatigue or fatigue associated with other diseases.
• The exact cause of fatigue related to EM is still unknown, but it is believed that it is related to a combination of physical, cognitive and emotional factors.
• Fatigue in EM can vary in slight to severe intensity, and its duration can also vary from one person to another.
• It can appear at any time of the day and get worse as it progresses.

“Fatigue is really one of the most disabling symptoms we see in patients with multiple sclerosis.”

The impact of fatigue on everyday life:

1. The fatigue associated with MS can affect the ability of a person to perform daily tasks such as domestic, work or social.
2. It can cause difficulties of concentration, memory and ability to solve problems, which hinders concentration and productivity.
3. The constant feeling of fatigue can decrease motivation and increase irritability or humor changes.
4. Overwelling fatigue can also limit physical activity and exercise, further compromising health and general wel l-being.

It is essential that people who experience fatigue as an initial symptom of EM talk about their concerns with a healthcare professional. Appropriate strategies and treatments can be applied to relieve the impact of fatigue and improve the quality of life.

Balance and Coordination Issues: Red Flags to Watch For

Multiple sclerosis (EM) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including brain and spinal cord. It usually causes various early symptoms that can be disturbing and potentially weakening if they are not treated. One of the first common signs of EM is the alteration of balance and coordination.

“Balance and coordination problems are frequent in people with MS, especially in the early stages of the disease. These alterations can manifest in various ways, such as unstable march, difficulty maintaining balance while standing or walking and walkingawkwardness in fine motor skills. “

To better understand alarm signals associated with balance and coordination problems, it may be useful to consult a list of possible symptoms:

• Dizziness or stunning
• Loss of balance when standing or walking
• Coordination problems, such as difficulty grabbing objects or making precise movements.
• Frequent stumbling
• Feeling of feet instability

It is important to note that experiencing these symptoms does not automatically indicate a diagnosis of EM. However, if you or someone you know experiences these alarm signals persistently or in combination with other worrying symptoms, it is essential that you request a medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive adequate attention.

Cognitive Problems: The Initial Warning Signs

When it comes to cognitive problems in MS, there are several initial warning signs that people can experience. These signs can manifest in different ways and can be subtle at the beginning, so it is easy to ignore them or attribute them to other factors. However, recognizing these initial signs is crucial for early diagnosis and disease treatment.

• Memory problems: One of the most common cognitive problems that people with EM experience are memory problems. This may involve difficulties with short and long term memory, such as forgetting recent conversations or events, feeling disoriented in family environments or having difficulty remembering information previously learned.
• Attention and concentration problems: Another early warning sign of cognitive problems in EM are the difficulties of attention and concentration. People may have trouble maintaining care in tasks, easily distracted or experiencing a decrease in the ability to perform several tasks at the same time effectively.

1. Reduction of processing speed: cognitive problems related to EM can also include a reduction in processing speed. This means that people may take longer to understand and respond to information, which translates into a more slow thought and capacity to solve.
2. Challenges of executive functioning: Executive operation refers to a set of cognitive skills that allow people to plan, organize and execute tasks. In EM, the first signs of warning of executive functioning problems may include difficulties in decisio n-making, problem solving, time management and motivation maintenance.

Early identification and monitoring of cognitive problems in people with EM are crucial for timely intervention and the development of effective strategies to manage these difficulties.

Emotional Changes: An Often Overlooked Early Symptom

Emotional changes in MS can manifest in various ways, affecting the mood, cognition and general wel l-being of the person. It is important to recognize that these changes are not simply the result of dealing with the physical symptoms of the disease, but rather a direct effect of the disease process itself. Among the most common emotional changes experienced by people with EM in the initial phase are depression, anxiety, irritability and emotional lability.

Depression is one of the most frequent emotional changes in people with MS, and it is estimated that it affects 50% of patients at some point in the evolution of the disease. It can manifest as persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or in sleep patterns and feelings of uselessness or guilt.

Anxiety is another common emotional change that can occur in individuals with EM in an initial phase. It can manifest as excessive concern, restlessness, difficulty concentrating and physical symptoms such as sweating or palpitations.

Irritability is an important emotional change that can affect interpersonal relationships and the general quality of life of people with EM. It can occur as an increase in frustration, anger or impatience, often disproportionate with respect to the trigger.

Emotional lability, also known as Pseudobulbar (PBA) affection, is characterized by episodes of involuntary laughter or crying that are not related to the real emotions of the person. This emotional change can be distressing and embarrassing for the individual, since his mood does not correspond to his true feelings.

Recognizing and addressing these emotional changes in people with EM in the initial phase is crucial to provide comprehensive attention and support. By understanding the impact of emotional changes in the quality of life, health professionals can carry out adequate interventions, such as advice, medication and lifestyle adjustments, to help people manage their emotions and improve their general wel l-being.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont