Multiple sclerosis does not wait, you might: Meanwhile, the body sends these 9 signals

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It affects the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation that disrupts the protective covering of nerve fibres. It is not yet completely clear how the disease arises. Doctors agree that it is probably a combination of genetics and a weak immune system.

The disease usually appears between the ages of 20 and 40 and is much more common in women. Symptoms of the disease vary from case to case, but include fatigue, impaired vision, weakness and loss of sensation in the limbs, impaired coordination of movement, muscle stiffness, difficulty defecating, speech problems and memory loss. Symptoms get progressively worse.

It can be slowed, not cured.

Unfortunately, MS cannot currently be cured. There are medications for it, but these only alleviate the symptoms. Medication can reduce pain and slow the progression of the disease, but it is inevitable in the end. In addition to pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, psychological support and lifestyle changes are used.

The disease is not clearly preventable. However, as with most diseases, a healthy lifestyle reduces the risks. A balanced diet, exercise and sufficient vitamin D will ensure strong immunity and may partly protect you from problems. However, in many cases, MS also affects completely healthy individuals.

9 signals you should not underestimate

If MS is caught early, it’s true that it can’t be cured, but you can greatly prolong a happy life and reduce suffering. That’s why it’s important not to underestimate the signals your body is sending, see a doctor early and get the disease diagnosed while there’s still something you can do about it. These nine signals should help you do that if necessary.

• Loss or impairment of vision: One of the first and most common symptoms of MS is inflammation of the optic nerve. It manifests as blurred vision, optic nerve pain, pain when moving the eyes or temporary loss of vision. Very often the problem affects only one eye.
• Tingling and numbness in the limbs: MS often starts with tingling, burning, numbness or tickling sensations in the hands, feet, cheeks or torso. The disorders are often transient, appearing only once in a while. Typically, they appear on only one half of the body.
• Muscle weakness and loss of co-ordination: if you feel sudden weakness in your arms or lower legs, have trouble walking or keeping your balance, this may be one of the symptoms of MS. Your body doesn’t seem to be listening to you at the time. Definitely do not underestimate this problem.
• Unusual fatigue: Fatigue is a typical symptom of MS, but there is no explanation for it. You are sleeping adequately, you are not exerting yourself, yet you feel mentally and physically exhausted. At such times, it’s time to see a doctor.
• Dizziness and balance problems: This point is somewhat related to walking problems, but dizziness can come out of the blue, even if you are sitting down. You simply feel dizzy all of a sudden and it can take several minutes for the feeling to pass.
• Muscle cramps and stiffness: spasticity (muscle stiffness) is caused by cramps, painful muscle contraction or stiffness. It is most common in the lower limbs and can come on especially at night.
• Difficulty urinating or defecating: these problems occur because MS interferes with the nerve control of the bladder or bowel. The urge to urinate can wake you up very often at night, but you can’t empty yourself. For some, constipation or faecal incontinence is added.
• Cognitive problems: Up to half of people with MS experience difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering, processing information or finding words. In addition, people are usually unaware of these problems and have to bring them to the attention of others.
• Mood changes, depression and emotional fluctuations: multiple sclerosis can also affect the psyche. The main symptoms include depression, anxiety and mood swings.

If you experience any of the above symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, especially if there is a combination of the two, you should definitely consider whether it is time to see a doctor. MS is a disease that can be very distressing. However, if you catch it early, you can live with it for a long time and the problems will get worse much more slowly.