Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. MS causes inflammation and damage to the sheath covering nerve cells. This sheath protects the nerve and also aids in the transmission of electrical signals. Without this sheath the nerve can become damaged and nerve impulses become delayed. The disease is progressive, with symptoms slowly worsening until the patient passes away. Identifying the initial symptoms of the disease can help physicians diagnose the patient.
Blurred or Double Vision
Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis may complain of blurry or double vision. MS causes the muscles controlling the eye to become weakened. As the muscles weaken they are unable to properly focus the eye. This manifests as trouble focusing on objects and double vision. Patients who experience a gradual blurring of vision should speak with their doctor.
Sensations of Numbness or Tingling
Multiple sclerosis may cause patients to experience abnormal tingling or numbing sensations. The tingling sensations are described as a crawling or burning feeling. Patients may also develop numbness, or a complete loss of sensation, in the affected area. These early symptoms of MS typically start at the ends of the legs and arms and then move up the limb.
Painful Loss of Vision
The optic nerve is the one of the few peripheral nerves considered to be part of the central nervous system, or CNS. In multiple sclerosis, which targets the CNS, the optic nerve becomes inflamed. As this nerve becomes damaged the eye becomes painful. Furthermore, since the optic nerve is the chief nerve responsible for transmitting visual signals from the eyes to the brain, patients will begin to lose their vision.
Paroxysmal Symptoms
According to J. A. Twomey and M. L. Espir in their article “Paroxysmal Symptoms as the First Manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis" from the April 1980 Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, paroxysmal symptoms are often the first symptoms of MS. Paroxysmal symptoms are symptoms that come on suddenly. Common paroxysmal symptoms of MS include abnormal speech, uncoordinated movements, seizures and pain. When the disease first starts damaging the nerves, these symptoms are mild and may be unnoticeable. However, as MS further damages the nerves, the paroxysmal symptoms worsen and become severe.
References
- MedlinePlus: Multiple Sclerosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
- The New York Times Health Guide: Multiple Sclerosis--Symptoms
- "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry"; Paroxysmal Symptoms as the first manifestations of multiple sclerosis; J. A. Twomey and M. L. Espir; 1980
