Spotting the symptoms of multiple sclerosis

How would I know if I might have multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. With MS, your immune system attacks the central nervous system, contributing to a variety of symptoms. These symptoms often come and go. They can also be indicative of other diseases. If you think you may have MS, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or a neurologist.

What are primary MS symptoms?

MS develops differently depending on the individual. Symptoms vary depending on how and where MS is affecting the nervous system and where the disease is in its progression. Common symptoms include vision problems, tingling sensations, dizziness or light-headedness, extreme fatigue, numbness and muscle weakness. Numbness may include itching, burning or even stabbing pain. Muscle weakness may include spasms, difficulty balancing and/or lack of feeling in the feet. Fatigue usually is accompanied by slowed thinking and is not related to the amount of your activity. Bladder problems, such as urgency, frequent urination, or having trouble emptying the bladder, are also common. Speech problems can also occur in early stages. These include difficulty pronouncing words, slurred and/or nasal speech. Heat, infection and exhaustion can sometimes bring on MS symptoms.

READ MORE