Home : health : 7 Warning Signs That Indicate Multiple Sclerosis

7 Warning Signs That Indicate Multiple Sclerosis

7 Warning Signs That Indicate Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition affecting the spinal cord and brain. Here, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which protects nerve fibers. The condition disrupts communication between the brain and other body parts. This neurological condition lasts long and can impact people as young as 20. Relapsing multiple sclerosis is a severe type of MS that can often deteriorate the patient’s condition. Between these flare-ups, they will have periods of recovery also.

Early warning signs of MS
The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary between patients and keep changing as the disease progresses. Some early warning signs that indicate MS at its initial stages are listed below.

1. Cognitive issues
About half of the patients with multiple sclerosis suffer from cognitive dysfunction. These problems are often mild, and it is rare to have severe issues. This condition does not usually change one’s intellectual ability but might lead to poor memory, slowed thinking, and attention deficit issues. A patient will struggle to find the right word to use while speaking.

2. Optic neuritis
In the early stages of MS, a patient’s eye health might also get affected. This disease damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye and brain. It is usually known to affect only one eye, but there is a chance of damage happening to both eyes. The condition gives rise to problems like poor contrast, blurred vision, rapid vision loss, dim vision, and eye pain during movement.

3. Numbness
The first indicator of multiple sclerosis may include numbness or a tingling sensation along the arms, face, and legs. It gives a feeling of electric shock when movement occurs along the neck or head. The symptoms may transmit down the spine or can occur along the arms or legs. Furthermore, the sensation impairs the ability to perform daily tasks with hands and walking.

4. Pain
The disease is also accompanied by severe pain and muscle spasms. This pain may occur due to demyelination (damage to the myelin sheath) or other symptoms associated with the condition. Neuropathic pain is the most severe among the various forms of multiple sclerosis pain. This form of pain crops up when a nerve cannot transmit correct signals to the brain. Different types of neuropathic pain are listed below.

  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • This type of severe pain condition affects the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is found on each side of the face and is responsible for overseeing the feeling of pain and other sensations originating from the face to the brain.
  • Lhermitte’s sign
  • This form of pain is also addressed as the barber chair phenomenon. It gives an uncomfortable electrical shock-type feeling that moves from the back to the limbs.
  • MS Hug
  • It is also called banding, and the pain occurs due to the accumulation of symptoms caused by spasms along the intercostal muscles.
  • Paroxysmal spasms
  • This form of pain is known to start suddenly and survive only for a few minutes or seconds, but may occur several times a day and obstruct daily activities.
  • Migraine
  • The health condition arising from MS leads to pulsating pain and sensation along one side of the head. It may also lead to other issues like vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light.

Multiple sclerosis may even lead to severe neuropathic pain comprising dysesthesias or pruritis. The condition leads to painful sensations along the limbs, resulting in tingling, itching, and other similar feelings. Furthermore, patients with this disorder also experience stiffness across any limb or painful jerking movements along the sides. Different forms of spasticity linked to multiple sclerosis comprise flexor spasticity and extensor spasticity. Flexor spasticity is when the muscles become so stiff that they bend and can’t be straightened. On the other hand, extensor spasticity causes the muscles to become so rigid that the legs and arms get straightened and become resistant to bending.

5. Fatigue
MS is also known to give rise to severe fatigue and weakness, which hinders patients’ daily activity. Multiple lesions along the brain and inflammation are the reasons for the weakness. Additionally, lethargy may develop because of muscle shrinking due to lack of use or demyelination of the nerves. Furthermore, patients may also suffer from severe weariness due to the deterioration of nerves along the spinal column. Commonly, the condition occurs suddenly and lasts for several days before displaying any improvement. The symptom may occur initially along the legs and then radiates to other body parts.

6. Poor coordination
It is another sign that can appear in the initial stage of MS. Patients feel dizzy and experiences a lack of coordination, leading to mobility issues. These symptoms become more evident when the patient stays in a standing position.

7. Dysfunctional bladder
Along with mobility issues, bladder dysfunction is also noticed in patients with multiple sclerosis. The problems associated with the symptom are listed below.

  • Frequent urination- The patient urinates more frequently than usual
  • Urinary incontinence- Voluntary bladder control is lost due to weakened bladder muscle, enlarged prostate, or damage along the pelvic floor muscles.
  • A strong urge to urinate occurs when the patient has an overactive bladder.
  • Poor bladder retention- It is a condition where the patient cannot empty all the urine in their bladder.

Apart from the signs mentioned above, people with MS may also experience bowel issues like constipation and diarrhea. This disease can cause physical and mental issues, but the proper treatment makes these symptoms manageable. There is no cure for MS; therapies focus on speeding recovery, avoiding relapses, and delaying the condition’s progression. People showing mild symptoms of the condition can do well without expert intervention. However, if left untreated for a long time, the condition might lead to severe health complications.

Most Popular

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin disease that makes the skin reddish, inflamed, and itchy because of specific triggers. It can affect any body part and appear anywhere on the skin. The most common symptoms are dryness, bumps, rashes, redness, and peeling of the skin. Despite being one of the most typical forms of atopic dermatitis, there is no such common definite cause; however, particular triggers cause eczema flareups, including specific kinds of soaps. Soaps and eczema flareups When eczema triggers, most of the time, it makes its appearance in certain typical parts of the body. These include behind the knee areas, hands, and feet. Some of the most common triggers of eczema flareups include household cleaners containing specific chemicals, and, most notably, soaps. However, the experience of eczema won’t be the same for everyone. One of the most typical symptoms is dry skin, where the soap’s role becomes significant. It is a pretty well-known fact that using soaps makes one’s skin dry. This happens because of specific harsh chemicals that swipe off moisture from one’s skin. These chemicals can also trigger severe irritation and reactions, specifically if the skin is too sensitive or if one is suffering from eczema.
3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

3 effective ways to manage multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Here, cancerous cells begin accumulating in the bone marrow and outnumber the healthy cells. This leads to huge amounts of unwanted proteins rather than helpful antibodies. About 34,000 adults in the country are estimated to be affected by this condition in 2022. However, the disease can be managed through the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Multiple myeloma does not have a permanent cure, but the disease and its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy to treat this blood-related condition. Immunotherapy This is a treatment method that empowers the patient’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. It is a biological therapy where certain substances derived from living beings are used for the treatment. Here are a few options: CAR T-cell therapy: This is a form of immunotherapy prescribed for multiple myeloma patients. This works on the T-cells (a white blood cell type), stimulating them to fight cancerous growth. The therapy involves drawing blood from the patient and adding chimeric antigen receptors (or CARs) to the blood, helping the T-cells target certain cancerous cell antigens. The CAR T-cells are then infused into the blood of the patient.
9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

For most people, achieving a fashionable look that stands out can be incredibly challenging, especially in a hurry. Celebrities and fashion influencers often turn up to events looking flawless; have you ever wondered how they manage to do so every time? Why by using fashion hacks, of course! To come to your rescue, here are some styling hacks that you can incorporate into your daily outfit-planning routine to look effortlessly stylish. Pick the right accessories It may seem generic, but it is still important to pick the right accessories to ensure your outfits have the best look. Three accessories can effortlessly upgrade any look. The best ones you can try are sunglasses, a belt, and a bag. Match these items with other outfit elements for a seamless flow. You can also go with options that have striking design elements that can elevate simple outfits and attract attention. Match the skirts with boots It is one of the best styling hacks popularized by many fashionistas – matching the boots with dresses or maxi skirts. Typically, dresses or skirts in delicate materials like lace look spectacular with solid, edgy boots. Mixing two opposite styles is one of the most genius ways to look fashionable.
7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

7 delicious and nutritional snacks for kids

Feeling frequent bouts of hunger is not unusual for kids. In fact, it’s quite normal for children in their developing years to feel hungry frequently. However, extreme hunger can lead children to reach out for processed foods, most of which are filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and refined flour. These foods have empty calories and no nutritional value. Here are some nutrition-rich kid snacks you can make for your kid without any hassles: Celery with peanut butter and raisins Also known as “ants on a log,” celery with raisins and peanut butter can prove to be a fun way to make your child have a vegetable. Chop a twig of celery into three or four pieces. Take some peanut butter and spread it evenly inside the hollow part of the celery. After that, put some raisins on the peanut butter. The three foods combined in this recipe can offer an excellent balance of nutrients like protein, fat, and carbs. However, ensure that the peanut butter you use is not loaded with added sugars or vegetable oils. Nuts Nuts are notable for their high-fiber content, along with healthy fats and antioxidants. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to provide them with sufficient dietary fats.
7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

7 human foods safe for consumption by dogs

A dog is a man’s best friend. Now you might have heard this a lot of times, and if you have ever had a pet dog, then you know the joy they bring into the lives of others. However, as often happens with family, you must have been tempted to share your food with your pet dog. Unfortunately, not all human foods are pet-safe. Read on to learn about which foods your dog can eat. 7 human foods that are safe for consumption by dogs It is a known fact that dogs and puppies have different digestive systems compared to humans, making some of the foods you eat unhealthy or even toxic for them. Here are some of the human foods that are safe for dogs: Carrots Vegetables and fruits are known to be incredible sources of nutrition. Carrots are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a snack that your puppy can eat at any time of the day. You can either cook it or even feed it as a raw snack, but remember to cut the vegetable into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Watermelon Some fruits can probably make your dog incredibly sick, but watermelon is not one of them.

Popular Articles

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health
health
01

4 essential vitamins for optimum eye health

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver.
Read More
Avoid these 5 smartphone habits
smartphones
02

Avoid these 5 smartphone habits

For most people, it is next to impossible to get through the day without using smartphones at least a few times. You need to make calls, check updates on the go, and even use smart navigation systems on your phone. But some smartphone habits can severely hamper productivity, affect your health, and may make you overly dependent on the gadget. So, here are five smartphone habits to keep in check: Using an alarm app Using your phone as an alarm clock might seem completely harmless. After all, apps on the phone let you set multiple alarms. But it never stops at hitting the snooze or dismiss button once you wake up. You will be tempted to check your phone for messages and social media, which will delay getting out of bed. Opt for a conventional alarm clock and keep your phone away from you at night to avoid checking anything after getting up. Ignoring software updates Smartphone care is as important as learning how to use the device in moderation. Many people make the mistake of postponing crucial software updates and granting necessary application permissions. These habits make the device extremely vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can access confidential data. Always keep your phone updated to ensure the latest security updates are installed.
Read More
7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis
health
03

7 foods that help fight against Bronchitis

When you have bronchitis, it’s easy to overeat greasy, salty, or sugary foods to relieve the coughing, breathing, and throat pain. Alternatively, you may decide not to consume anything at all. However, you should take care and watch what you eat as refined carbs and saturated fats might impede recovery. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat may influence the severity of bronchitis symptoms. Here’s a list of a few items you should avoid. Foods with preservatives and additives Sulfites, a form of preservative, may aggravate bronchitis. Liquor, dried fruits, pickled foods, maraschino cherries, and lime juice all contain sulfites. Processed and quick meals frequently contain chemical additives, flavors, and colorings. Some bronchitis patients may be susceptible to or intolerant to these artificial components. Gas-forming foods Eating large meals or gas-producing foods strains the diaphragm, especially if you suffer from acid reflux. This can cause chest pains and asthma flare-ups. Beans, cabbage, carbonated beverages, onions, and fried dishes are examples of these foods. Sugar and HFCS Do you enjoy drinking sugar-laden colas? Be cautious. They can be dangerous to your health. Avoiding syrups, candies, and other sugary foods will help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, irritation, and discomfort in your lungs.
Read More