Early Warning Signs of MS

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the central nervous system, which houses the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This system controls everything we do.

Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of MS can help with early detection, improve long-term health by slowing the progression of the disease, and reduce the number of relapses. But what are the warning signs of MS? In this post, we’ll review the warning signs of MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and answer the following questions related to the condition:

• What are the most common early warning signs of MS?
• What are less common symptoms of MS?

What Are the Top MS Symptoms?

As the disease progresses, early warning signs of multiple sclerosis may become more apparent. Here are some top MS warning signs to be vigilant about:

• Bladder dysfunction. This occurs in about 80% of people with MS.
• Bowel dysfunction. These can be addressed with the correct diet, adequate fluid intake, physical activity, and medication.
• Cognitive changes. This can include difficulties processing or remembering information.
• Depression and emotional changes. Paying attention to mental health and developing wellness strategies can help with this.
• Fatigue. About 80% of people with multiple sclerosis live with fatigue.
• MS Hug (Dysesthesia). This is a squeezing sensation around the torso, which can feel like a blood pressure cuff when it tightens.
• Tingling or numbness. These symptoms can occur in the face, body, or extremities.
• Pain and itching. This can affect up to half of people with MS.
• Sexual dysfunction. Damage to the nervous system can ultimately impact one’s sex life.
• Spasticity. Muscle stiffness or involuntary contractions can be common experiences.
• Vertigo and dizziness. Feeling lightheaded or like your surroundings are spinning is quite common.
• Vision issues. This is usually one’s first symptom of MS.
• Walking or gait difficulties. Loss of balance, muscle weakness, spasticity, or fatigue can cause challenges with mobility.
• Weakness. People with MS may not use their muscles as often or experience damage to nerves that stimulate muscles.

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What Are Less Common Symptoms of MS?

While the more common MS symptoms are widely recognized, less common symptoms can also indicate the disease. Even though these symptoms may be rare, it is still important to monitor them for early detection. These symptoms include:

• Breathing difficulties. This can include shortness of breath, which can be alleviated with breathing exercises or other treatments.
• Hearing loss. This can be associated with damage to the hearing nerve pathways.
• Loss of taste. Affecting about 25% of people with MS, some people may have diminished taste buds.
• Seizures. It is estimated that up to 5% of people with MS have seizures compared to 3% in the general population. 
• Speech dysfunction. About 25-40% of people living with MS experience changes to their speech and their ability to be understood.
• Swallowing difficulties. These issues can cause difficulty managing solids or liquids, frequent throat clearing, and choking sensations.
• Tremor. This can result in lack of control of movements but can be minor.

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