Key takeaways
- Early symptoms of MS can include changes in vision, such as double vision or optic neuritis, which can cause pain and vision loss.
- Many people with MS experience fatigue and muscle weakness, which can be caused by nerve damage in the brain and spine or as a result of other symptoms like pain and sleep disturbances.
- Tingling and numbness are also common early signs of MS. They often occur in the arms, legs, or face and can vary in severity.
MS is a relapsing or progressive condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves of the brain and spinal cord.
Early intervention offers the best chance at preventing long-term disability. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the initial symptoms of MS and seek prompt medical attention as soon as a person has concerns.
Read on to learn more about the possible early signs and symptoms of MS. This article also looks at risk factors for MS and when to contact a doctor.
The
Possible early vision changes include:
- double vision
- optic neuritis
- pain when moving the eye
- vision loss
Learn more about how MS can affect vision.
For many people, fatigue and muscle weakness are the main symptoms of MS. Nerve damage in the spine and brain results in long-term (chronic) fatigue. This is called primary fatigue.
Secondary fatigue can also occur as a result of other MS symptoms, such as pain or sleep problems.
Learn more about fatigue and MS.
Tingling and numbness are other common early warning signs of MS. These symptoms most often occur in the:
- arms
- legs
- face
Tingling and numbness can be mild or severe. These symptoms can also come and go.
Learn about MS tingling patterns.
Up to two-thirds of people with MS worldwide report that they experience pain with MS.
Pain relating to the early stage of MS
- arms
- legs
- trunk
- face
- eyes
Dizziness and balance problems affect many people with MS. With early MS, dizziness
This can cause a person to:
- feel off balance
- fall frequently
- experience near-falls or tripping
- lose their balance
- find it difficult to walk
Bladder issues occur when lesions affect nerve signals that control the bladder and urinary function.
Symptoms typically include:
- an increased need to pee
- an urgent need to pee
- difficulty starting urination
- nighttime urination
- urinary incontinence
- difficulty emptying the bladder
Cognitive (thinking) changes can be the first symptom of MS for some people.
Over half of people with MS will experience cognitive changes at some point. These can include:
- difficulty finding words
- memory loss
- difficulty with the speed of processing information
Symptoms of MS can be different for each person and can also develop at different times.
Some other symptoms that may occur with MS include:
- headaches
- hearing loss
- speech problems
- trouble swallowing
- walking difficulties
- itchiness
- loss of taste
MS is an autoimmune condition that damages the CNS. The exact cause is not clear, though genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in its onset.
Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing MS include:
- Age: MS most commonly appears in people between
20 and 40 years . However, it can occur at any age. - Sex: Females are two to three times more likely than males to develop MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).
- Family history: A person who has a family member with MS may have a higher chance of developing it.
- Infection: Several viruses may increase the risk of MS, including an atypical immune reaction to the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis.
Anyone with early symptoms of MS should consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide the best chance of preventing disability.
Many treatments can help slow the progression of MS, and medication can help ease symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and bladder problems.
Can multiple sclerosis make a person dizzy?
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of MS.
What kind of dizziness do doctors associate with MS?
MS can cause feelings of dizziness and vertigo. A person may feel lightheaded or as if their surroundings are spinning.
How do doctors treat dizziness in multiple sclerosis?
Doctors may recommend motion sickness medication or short-term corticosteroids to treat dizziness due to MS.
Does MS cause dizziness and nausea?
MS can cause dizziness but does not typically cause nausea. Other conditions, such as anxiety, migraine, and stomach illnesses, may cause dizziness and nausea, but people need to contact a doctor for a diagnosis.
More about MS
The signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary widely. Early signs include vision changes, numbness and tingling, and muscle weakness. However, people may experience these symptoms at any point, although these issues may recur throughout the course of the disease.
Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 20 and 40, but they can develop at any point.
Anyone with concerns about symptoms that may indicate MS needs to talk with their doctor. A prompt diagnosis and early treatment may help reduce the likelihood of the condition progressing or causing disability.