Early signs of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disorder caused by the dysfunction of the immune system. The immune system, which is responsible for keeping the body healthy, attacks several parts of the body even when no threat exists. As a result, it has a negative impact on the function of various internal organs. It is a dangerous ailment, and gradually, it leads to the destruction of the nerve cells’ protective covering.
Early signs of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis could have an adverse impact on the spinal cord and brain, and a person with this condition could get paralyzed. It has several unpredictable symptoms.
Here is the explanation of a few symptoms which can emerge in the early stages of multiple sclerosis:
Sexual dysfunction
An individual with this disease can face difficulty in sexual arousal because of the improper functioning of the nervous system.
Fluctuating emotional health
Multiple sclerosis can lead to emotional problems like mood swings and irritability. Patients could also face signs like uncontrollable laughing and crying. This condition is also called pseudobulbar affect. Doctors have also observed other symptoms of emotional disorders and depression.
Difficulty with swallowing
It is another common symptom which could be a sign of the early stages of this unpredictable disease. Dysphagia is the medical term used for this health condition. It refers to the inability of swallowing liquids and foods with ease. The person who develops this condition may face problems like choking on food while swallowing.
Cognitive problems
According to a survey, around 50% of people who have multiple sclerosis face a higher probability of developing various cognitive health problems. Some common cognitive problems which people with multiple sclerosis face are memory problems, language problems, shortened attention span, and difficulty in staying organized.
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Only a few people in the world who have multiple sclerosis face bowel problems. The different bowel problems which people face due to this health condition are uncontrollable bowel function, diarrhea, and constipation.
On the other hand, the patient can experience bladder dysfunction which could lead to a strong urge to urinate, frequent urination, and incapability to hold urine.
Weakness and fatigue
Unexplained weakness and fatigue affect around 80% of people with multiple sclerosis. Gradually, the symptoms become chronic, and chronic fatigue is the main factor which deteriorates the nerve function. As a result, the spinal column will get weak too.
Numbness and tingling sensation
As this disease attacks the nervous system, it has a severe effect on the spinal cord and brain. As the disease affects the brain, it can lead to conflicting signals. These conflicting signals could lead to numbness in several body parts like fingers, legs, arms, and face.
These are the few early signs of multiple sclerosis. There are some other symptoms of this condition as well. If one notices any of these signs, they must consult a doctor immediately.