Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, immune-mediated disorder. It causes the body’s disease-fighting system to attack the protective covering of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting the communication in the body. The condition cannot be cured, but understanding and identifying the early signs of MS can help provide timely treatment.

1. Vision problems
Vision problems can arise due to several reasons, but it’s best to visit a doctor if the problem persists and one experiences pain with eye movement or blurry vision. Doctors often describe the lack of clarity in vision as “looking through smudged glasses.” Sometimes, one may not experience the issue immediately as the vision loss can be gradual. Additionally, one may experience pain when looking to the side or up.

2. Weakness or numbness in the limbs
It is normal to experience weakness or a tingling sensation in the arms or legs when one sleeps in the wrong position. That said, in most cases, the tingling sensation eases within an hour. If this does not happen and one experiences persistent weakness or numbness for a day or more, it could be an early sign of MS. One should consult a doctor immediately if they experience this.

3. Pain and spasms
MS patients may experience chronic pain and muscle spasms. The National MS Society has noted that 50 percent of the people with MS experienced pain, and patients might also experience stiffness in the joints. While leg pain is most common among people with this condition, back pain has also been reported in many cases.

4. Difficulty walking
Trouble walking can also be an early sign of MS. It is often referred to as gait difficulty by healthcare professionals because it indicates that the brain is unable to signal the muscles effectively. Patients may experience problems in balancing or numbness because of which they have trouble walking.

5. Fatigue and weakness
Four out of five people with MS are known to experience persistent fatigue and weakness in the early stages of the condition. The deterioration of the nerves in the spinal column results in chronic fatigue. In many cases, the fatigue appears suddenly and lasts for several weeks before a patient finds any relief from it. The weakness is also most commonly felt in the legs at first, after which it may be experienced in other body parts as well. One should not ignore persistent fatigue and weakness for long. It’s best to consult the doctor to help pinpoint the cause and get it treated to avoid further complications.

Some people with MS may not develop any symptoms for most of their lives, while others may experience severe chronic symptoms. Identifying the early signs can help slow disease progression and prevent other health complications.