Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune cells attack myelin, or the protective covering around nerves in the body. Myelin protects electrical signals that go through the nerves. When myelin is damaged, nerve signals can become altered and result in troublesome symptoms of MS. According to the Mayo Clinic, MS is more likely to occur in women between the ages of 20 to 40 years. Symptoms of MS range can be debilitating.
Eye Nerve Damage
An early symptom of MS is nerve damage of the eyes, states the Mayo Clinic. This results in pain in the eye during movement, called optic neuritis. Additionally, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) reports that the 10-year risk of developing full-blown MS after an episode of optic neuritis is 38 percent. MS may also cause a complete loss of vision, double vision or blurry vision, states the Mayo Clinic. Therefore, anyone with eye pain or vision changes should immediately see a doctor.
Pain
Body pain is a common symptoms experience by people with MS, according to the Mayo Clinic. These patients experience varying types of pain that includes tingling sensations, dull pain or sharp pain. Additionally, areas of pain can occur throughout different parts of the body and can be in varying intensities. A common diagnostic feature is an electric-shock sensation that can occur with certain head movements, states the Mayo Clinic. Multiple conditions can cause pain throughout the body; therefore, a doctor should properly diagnose and treat this disease.
Numbness and Muscle Weakness
MS can cause numbness and muscles weakness to occur throughout the body, according the Mayo Clinic. Interestingly, numbness and tingling only occurs on one side of the body or just in the legs. MS patients should avoid hot objects and excessive heat because an increase in body temperature can cause flare-ups, states the NMSS. Numbness and weakness may be experienced in other conditions; however, a doctor can perform multiple tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, to come to a diagnosis of MS.
