Multiple sclerosis, or MS, refers to the many areas of scarring that result from the destruction of the tissues that wrap around nerves. The tissues that surround the nerves facilitate the transmission of electrochemical messages between the brain, the spinal cord and the rest of the body. Damage to these tissues causes the messages to get slowed down or blocked completely, leading to diminished or lost function. Symptoms of MS vary widely, and while most symptoms first appear between the ages of 20 and 50, MS can appear in young children and teens, as well as much older adults.
Visual Disturbances
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the initial symptoms of MS emerge as visual disturbances. An inflammation of the optic nerve called optic neuritis presents as a first symptom in about 55 percent of people diagnosed with MS. The Merck Manual Home Edition points out that optic neuritis can lead to other eye problems. The ability to see when looking straight ahead diminishes as a result of the inflammation. Nystagmus can develop, which makes one eye appear weaker than the other, and the stronger eye moves involuntarily, rapidly and repetitively in one direction, before slowly drifting back. Other visual disturbances include blurred or double vision, red-green color distortion and blindness in one eye.
Abnormal Sensory Feelings
Damage to the nerve tissues in the brain causes symptoms long before a doctor diagnosis the disorder, states the Merck Manual Home Edition. Abnormal sensory feelings may appear as first symptoms of MS and they occur as transitory, or not permanent but existing only for a short time. The symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain, burning and itching of the arms, legs, trunk or face. A loss of touch sometimes occurs; however, some people do feel pain. Speech impediments, tremors and dizziness commonly occur. People with MS may also experience hearing loss, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Electric-Shock Sensation
People with MS may experience electric-shock sensations as an initial symptom of the disease. Nerve-tissue damage that occurs in the back part of the spinal cord causes an electrical shock or a tingling sensation to shoot down the back; down both legs; down one arm or down one side of the body. The electric-shock sensation lasts briefly and only remains as long as the neck stays bent forward, notes the Merck Manual Home Edition.
Uncoordinated Movements
A person displaying uncoordinated movements in various parts of the body suggests MS in its early stages, reports the Merck Manual Home Edition. The movements may appear as a weakness or clumsiness, a difficulty walking or maintaining balance, or stiffness, unsteadiness and unusual fatigue. Spasticity, or involuntary muscles contractions, occurs in people with MS and the contractions appear as uncoordinated movements as well.
