Health
Common Early Warning Signs of MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. MS causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the protective covering (or myelin) of nerves, which then disrupts the communication between brain and body. The severity and duration of MS symptoms vary greatly between patients. MS causes the following early warning symptoms: 1. Vision problems MS patients often suffer from blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss. As the disease progresses this could mean the patients lose freedom, such as driving. 2. Tingling and numbness This may include a combination of muscle paralysis, muscle rigidity, stiff muscles, pins and needles, reduced sensation of touch. Some patients lose control of their extremities in the late stages of the disease. 3. Pains and spasms MS patients often report involuntary movements, uncomfortable tingling and burning. Some are unable to control body movements, for example when trying to grab something the hand may spasm and miss. Tasks like writing may also become complicated if the patient is unable to fully control the use of the hands. 4. Weakness or fatigue Even walking short distances start to become tiresome and patients may need to take frequent breaks, and become tired more easily without exertion.
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