According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, over 2.5 million people have multiple sclerosis worldwide, with about 400,000 sufferers in the United States alone. Multiple sclerosis affects two to three times more women than men and is found more commonly in Caucasians and in people between the ages of twenty to 50, although it still can appear in teens and children. The early warning signs of multiple sclerosis can be different for all cases, depending on which part of the brain has been affected by the disease. Because of the wide variety of symptoms and the erratic nature of their occurrence, many people aren’t officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis until after they’ve had a neurological examination.
Although there are many different symptoms associated with the onset of multiple sclerosis, here are a few of the most common:
1. Dizziness – This can be caused by nerve damage in the optical pathways of the brain. Multiple sclerosis creates lesions on the nerve pathways that work to coordinate visual, spatial and other input necessary to keep the body in correct balance.
2. Spasms – These can frequently be in the arms or legs and can make it difficult to move freely. Spasticity is the result of an imbalance in the electrical signals coming from the brain and spinal cord, often caused by damage to these areas by multiple sclerosis. This imbalance causes hyperactive muscle stretch reflexes, which result in involuntary contractions of the muscle, and increased muscle tension.
3. Vision problems – Blurred and grayed vision or blindness in one eye is common for people with multiple sclerosis. Optic neuritis, the inflammation of the optic nerve, affects the majority of multiple sclerosis sufferers and can make it painful for the sufferer to move their eyes.
4. Sexual dysfunction – Erectile dysfunction is very common in men with multiple sclerosis. Damage to nerve pathways can make it difficult for the correct signals to reach the organs that work to create an erection.
5. Difficult time concentrating – Although not all people with MS suffer from mental problems, nerve damage may affect the ability to pay attention and concentrate on complex mental tasks.
6. Bizarre sensations – The nerve damage associated with MS can leave sufferers feeling uncomfortable sensations throughout their body. Patients commonly complain of feeling “pins and needles,” itching, burning, tearing or stabbing pains.
For the most part, the initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis are caused by the deterioration of the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. This can occur in any part of the brain or the spinal cord, and the location of the affected area will result in different symptoms throughout the body. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible so you can get on a treatment plan to help curb the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.
