How To Tell If I Have Multiple Sclerosis? Here are 5 Early Signs

On October 18th, 2018, I remember reading an emotional post from a favorite actress of mine, Selma Blair. She revealed that she is among a number of celebrities living with multiple sclerosis (MS).  You see while medical school does a great job at teaching the symptoms of diseases, it doesn’t really help you see the true implications of a diagnosis.

To point out, MS is an autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous system- our brain and spinal cord. As the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves, the result is it interferes with the brain-body connection, with side effects like dizziness, fatigue, numbness, and tingling develop.

These symptoms are similar to those arising from numerous other conditions, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, nerve compression, and other more common autoimmune diseases. As a result, diagnosis is difficult and more often than not, too late.  

Under these circumstances, I believe it’s a good idea to keep an eye on out for any and all changes in your body, especially when it comes to the early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS).  

Here are 5 early signs of Multiple Sclerosis you should keep a lookout for

1 Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS affecting approx 80% of individuals diagnosed. While the cause is still unknown, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that “ Some people with MS say that family members, friends, co-workers or employers sometimes misinterpret their fatigue and think they are depressed or just not trying hard enough”.

2 Numbness & Tingling

Numbness is lost, diminished or altered sensation. On the other hand, tingling is that pins and needles sensation you get in your feet sometimes. The severity of it can range from mild to severe. One should be wary as this may affect your ability to use certain parts of your body.

For example, if you have numb feet and are unable to feel the ground, you will have problems walking. Facial numbness may cause you to chew the insides of your mouth. In addition, because of this lack of sensation, you could easily suffer a burn without realising it.

3 Trouble Swallowing

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society NMSS, adds that swallowing problems are important to recognise early. When swallowing problems persist or worsen there is a risk of food or fluids getting into the lungs. This is a serious problem as it can open you up to lung infection.

4 Depression & Mood Swings

People diagnosed with MS are associated with a “higher risk for mood related problems, including depression, mood swings, irritability, manic depression, and anxiety. Also, a common symptom, depression, and changes in mood may occur at any time in the duration of the disease.

In fact, studies suggest that clinical depression—the most severe form—is more frequent among people with MS than it is in the general population or in many other chronic illnesses.

5 Shaky Hands

Shaky hands or tremors symptom occurs because of the damaged nerve pathways responsible for the movements. Furthermore, People who have tremors may also have associated symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). In fact, these associated symptoms are due to a shared pathway for movement coordination.

Timing truly is everything with MS. The sooner you can begin treating symptoms as they appear, the better. Additionally, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has a comprehensive overview, treatment options and diagnostic methods for MS.

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Tags

• earlydetection
• multiple sclerosis
• tremors