The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) society defines MS as a chronic and possibly disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Early symptoms are often mild, and many experience them in clusters between the ages of 20 and 50. Advances in medication have been shown to slow down the course of MS, making it all the more important to recognize the initial symptoms of MS and seek medical attention immediately.
Vision
According to the McFox Multiple Sclerosis Pages website, as many as 20 percent of people with MS experience an inflammation of the eye nerves known as optic neuritis. Symptoms of optic neuritis include blurred or double vision, followed by partial vision loss.
Tingling & Numbness
Feelings of intense hot and/or cold, together with a "pins and needles" or tingling feeling or even numbness is often an early symptom of MS. According to the University of Maryland Medical System website, these symptoms often begin at the end of the arms and legs and move up the limb.
Muscle Weakness
Patients with undiagnosed MS often complain early on of a feeling of weakness or lack of muscle control. These symptoms tend to affect the arms and legs, and patients can have muscle spasms together with a feeling of clumsiness or heaviness in their limbs. Finger dexterity may also be a problem. The McFox MS website estimates that muscle spasms or stiffness occurs as part of an initial MS attack in 40 percent of patients.
Fatigue
Fatigue that is worse in the late afternoon appears to be the most common symptom of MS that presents itself early on during the course of this disease. According to University of Maryland Medical website (UMM.edu), this often debilitating exhaustion may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Rest does not always provide relief for MS-related fatigue.
Balance & Coordination
Many patients will experience difficulty with walking steadily and their gait may appear unbalanced. Coordination may also suffer as patients find they have difficulty grabbing onto small objects.
Language
Intermittent difficulty with forming words is also an early symptom of MS, according to the McFox MS Pages website. Many patients find they can speak perfectly fine one day, only to wake up on another and struggle to form thoughts and correct sentences. Some may also experience slurred speech or have trouble pronouncing words for no apparent reason.
