1. Prepare for the Attack
Usually, people don't realize they have multiple sclerosis until they have a first attack of symptoms. It's called clinical isolated syndrome and usually happens when you're between 20 and 40 years old. When you experience a second attack, you have what's called relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In rare cases, the multiple sclerosis is progressive right from the start and you experience symptoms basically all the time.
2. Keep Your Eyes Open
More than half of people with multiple sclerosis develop optic neuritis. That means the nerves in your eyes become inflamed. Of the people who have optic neuritis, it's the first symptom 16 percent of them experience. Usually your vision, in at least one eye, is fuzzy or you have double vision. You may even notice a shimmering effect, pain or involuntary movement of your eye. 20 percent of the people who develop optic neuritis develop MS within two years. But the majority, 45 percent to 80 percent, develop multiple sclerosis with 15 years.
3. Take a Siesta
If you feel like you're dragging in the afternoon, craving a little nap, know that this is another early symptom of multiple sclerosis. Fatigue is usually worse in the afternoon for about 20 percent of MS patients. You may also feel hot because your body temperature is increasing. Fatigue becomes one of the major symptoms in almost everyone with multiple sclerosis.
4. Feel the Multiple Sclerosis
Several parts of your body will feel differently as you experience early onset MS. First off, your arms and legs may feel heavy, clumsy or weak. They may tingle and you may not be able to feel all sensations. You may feel like your limbs aren't really attached anymore, because you have trouble moving them and your coordination is bad, The symptom usually develops in the upper part of your legs. You may also notice your muscles start to jump. Spasticity will lead to stiffness and spasms.
5. Hold It
It's common to have bladder disturbances when your multiple sclerosis is just starting to appear. As the disease progresses, you'll experience more muscle spasms, facial pain and tremors. They're all symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Once you get a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, be prepared for emotional changes, too. You'll have mood swings, depression and problems with your memory.
