Is it early symptoms
Multiple Sclerosis what you are experiencing?

The early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis normally would show up between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.

These early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis tend to appear suddenly and without any warning – a fact that makes this illness very scary for anyone. When I had my first attack, double vision, loss of balance and a strong weakness on my right side (arm and leg) were the first indications that something was wrong.

Other less common early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are:

• Slurred speech

• Sudden Paralysis

• Difficulties with concentration and thinking processes (cognitive functions)
• Deficient coordination

My first and second MS attacks, besides the early Multiple Sclerosis symptoms already mentioned, also came with the slurred speech and lack of coordination. A course of synthetic corticosteroid drugs like Meticorten (Prednisone) is normally given as a first line of defense.

As the disease progresses, other early Multiple Sclerosis symptoms may include muscle spasms, sensitivity to heat, fatigue, changes in thinking or perception, and sexual disturbances.

The following is a short explanation of frequent early Multiple Sclerosis symptoms with links to further specific information on some of these symptoms:

• Fatigue: This is a characteristic and common symptom of MS. It is typically present in the midafternoon and may consist of:
  • Increased muscle weakness
  • Mental fatigue
  • Sleepiness or drowsiness

  A very interesting and important fact about Multiple Sclerosis is that the physical exhaustion you might be experimenting is not related to the amount of work performed; and you may complain of extreme fatigue even after a good night's sleep.

• Heat sensitivity: Heat sensitivity (the appearance or worsening of symptoms when exposed to heat, like a hot shower) occurs in most MSers.

• Spasticity: Muscle spasms are a common and often debilitating symptom of MS. Spasticity usually affects the muscles of the legs and arms, and may interfere with your ability to move those muscles without any problems
• Dizziness: A lot of folks with MS complain of feeling "off balance" or lightheaded. Occasionally you may experience the feeling that either you or your surroundings are spinning; this is called vertigo.

  These MS symptoms are caused by damage in the complex nerve pathways that coordinate vision and other inputs into the brain that are needed to maintain balance.

• Impaired thinking: Problems with thinking occur in about half of folks with MS. For most, this means slowed thinking, decreased concentration, or decreased memory. Approximately 10% of MSers have severe impairment that significantly impairs their ability to carry out tasks of daily living.
• Vision problems: are relatively common in folks with MS. In fact, one vision problem, Optic Neuritis, occurs in 55% of people with the condition. This can result in blurring or graying of vision or blindness in one eye. An important fact you should be aware of is that most vision problems in MS do not lead to blindness.
• Abnormal sensations: Many MSers experience abnormal sensations such as "pins and needles," numbness, itching, burning, stabbing, or tearing pains. Fortunately, most of these early symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are not life-threatening or debilitating and can be managed or treated.
• Speech and swallowing problems: You might experience some swallowing difficulties. In many cases they are associated with speech problems as well. This type of problems is caused by damaged nerves that normally help with these functions.

• Tremors: Are fairly common in MSers. Tremors can be debilitating and difficult to treat.

• Difficulty walking: Problems with the way of walking are among the most common Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. For the most part this problem is related to muscle weakness and/or spasticity, but having balance problems or numbness in your feet can also make walking difficult.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SYMPTOMS?

It is helpful to divide the symptoms into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

1. Primary symptoms are a direct result of the demyelination process. This impairs the transmission of electrical signals to muscles (to allow them to move appropriately) and the organs of the body (allowing them to work properly.)




THE PRIMARY SYMPTOMS INCLUDE

• Weakness
• Tremors
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Loss of balance
• Vision problems
• Paralysis and
• Bladder or bowel problems

Nowadays there are several medications, rehabilitation programs, and other treatments that can help you keep many of these symptoms under control. You should always discuss with your doctor any treatment plan.

2. Secondary symptoms Are those symptoms that result from primary symptoms. For example, paralysis (a primary symptom) can lead to bedsores (pressure sores) and bladder or urinary incontinence problems can cause frequent, recurring urinary tract infections. These symptoms can be treated, but the main thing is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms.
3. Tertiary symptoms Are sub-divided into the following three complications:

   • Social
   • Psychological
   • Vocational

   Something like Depression, which is a very common problem among MSers, would fall into this category.

WHAT CAUSES THE SYMPTOMS?

Demyelination, or deterioration of the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, can occur in any part of the brain or spinal cord.

The Multiple Sclerosis symptoms that folks with the illness experience depend on the affected area. Demyelination in the nerves that send messages to the muscles causes problems with movement (motor symptoms), while demyelination along the nerves that carry sensory messages to the brain causes disturbances in sensation.

ARE SYMPTOMS THE SAME IN EVERY PERSON?

Early symptoms of Multiple sclerosis cannot predict anything about the disease and it follows a varied and unpredictable course. In many folks, the disease starts with a single symptom, followed by months or even years without any progression of symptoms. In others, the symptoms become worse within weeks or months.

It is important to understand that although a wide range of symptoms can occur, you may experience only some of the symptoms and never have others. Some MS symptoms may occur once, resolve, and never return. Because MS is such an individual disease, it is not helpful to compare yourself with other people who have MS.

I encourage you to go deeper into the world of Multiple Sclerosis symptoms and the condition (MS) itself by reading more and visiting regularly this website.