Imagine a world where simple tasks become overwhelming challenges, where vision blurs and limbs tingle with an unsettling numbness. This is the reality for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a complex neurological condition that silently affects millions worldwide. It is, therefore, important to shed light on the subtle but significant changes that may go unnoticed. From debilitating fatigue and vision problems to sensory disturbances, here are some more symptoms to know of.

Fatigue
A huge warning sign for people at risk of developing MS is feeling fatigued. It can be troublesome for patients as this might impact their daily routine. The feeling is more than just being tired. It is often described as a feeling of overwhelming exhaustion. This extreme fatigue can make undertaking even the simplest task an ordeal. It significantly affects the patient’s daily life, and the effects keep worsening towards the end of the day. The fatigue is also more pronounced during hot weather when the patient is ill and after working out. Weakness that arises from constant fatigue is most noticeable in the lower extremities.

Vision problems
Vision problems are among the first and most common warning signs of MS. The disease tends to increase the inflammatory levels in the body. This can impact the optic nerve, disrupting the patient’s central vision. As a result, numerous MS patients complain of double or blurred vision and sometimes vision loss. Other concerns include eye pain and color blindness. The pain can radiate when moving the eye or when light flashes enter the eye.

Numbness and tingling
A sense of tingling or numbness in the body’s extremities or the face is another warning sign of MS. It occurs due to nerve damage to the spinal column and the brain. The conflicting messages sent by the brain or spinal column often cause numbness in the arms, legs, and face. Tingling is often present, along with numbness. When moving their heads or neck, these patients might even feel an electric shock-like sensation.

Muscle spasms
Individuals living with multiple sclerosis may encounter painful muscle contractions and spasms. This condition can cause stiffness in the muscles, making them difficult to move. This is referred to as spasticity and can result in muscle weakness. Around half of those with MS are estimated to experience chronic pain and involuntary muscle spasms.

Bowel and bladder control
It’s been found that around 80% of people with MS experience issues with controlling their bladder and bowel. This happens because the central nervous system is responsible for regulating this function. As the nerves deteriorate, it can lead to problems like incontinence, frequent urination, constipation, and diarrhea.

Speech problems
When the central nervous system (CNS) begins to deteriorate, it can affect a person’s ability to speak and perform fine motor skills. This can result in slurred speech and difficulty with coordination or muscle weakness. Sometimes, the individual may sound like they have a blocked nose or a cold due to nasal speech.