The first symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis can appear and disappear for many years before a diagnosis is finally made. Some of the first symptoms of MS to watch for are caused by the demyelination process occurring within the body. The symptoms provoked by the stripping of the myelin sheath are known as ‘primary symptoms’. Two additional categories of symptoms appear after these initial ones and they are known as ‘secondary’ and ‘tertiary symptoms’.
A list of primary symptoms includes problems with bladder or bowel control, paralysis, loss of balance, tingling, numbness, impaired vision, weakness, and tremors. MS medications are plentiful, when it comes to finding something to reduce any of these symptoms. As MS progresses, the primary symptoms can cause secondary symptoms. For example, paralysis is a primary symptom which can lead to bedsores – a secondary symptom. By the time the patient’s MS has progressed to the point of reaching tertiary symptoms, depression seems to be the most common problem. Tertiary symptoms generally include complications connected to the primary and secondary symptoms and are usually social, vocational, or psychological.
What are the First Symptoms of MS as it Progresses?
The more progressive Multiple Sclerosis becomes; the greater the increase in symptoms. Fatigue might be more prominent. It isn’t always a physical feeling of tiredness either; mental fatigue or muscle weakness also falls into this category. Becoming more sensitive to heat can greatly restrict the activities a person with MS is able to participate in. Some MS patients even find a hot shower to be uncomfortable to the point of being nearly debilitating.
Spastic muscles affect the arms and legs and hamper movement in the limbs, greatly decreasing mobility. Lightheadedness, dizziness, or feeling as if the surroundings are spinning can actually confine an MS patient to home. Impaired thinking can be just as frustrating as many of these physically limiting symptoms. If nerves become too severely damaged, difficulty swallowing or speaking can occur, which can cause much frustration as well as be rather frightening. These symptoms not only force a person with MS to have limited mobility, but they can also be a safety hazard as well.
It’s important to remember that not all first symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are the same for everyone. One person might have a single symptom for days, weeks, or years, while others display progressive symptoms right away. There is also the possibility that someone will experience a list of first symptoms of MS that have never been heard of before. It’s best to see a doctor right when a questionable symptom presents itself.
Related links: Our MS site in yahoo | Our MS site on BOTW |
