Early Onset Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease belonging to the central nervous system (CNS) which is the nerves that comprise the brain and spinal cord. It has two main features which are destruction of myelin and the destruction of axons.

Destruction of myelin is basically a fatty insulation covering the nerve fibers which is the main characteristic of Multiple sclerosis. The end results of this process are called demyelination as they are multiple patches of hard, scarred tissue called plaques.

Destruction of axons which is the long filament that carries the electric impulses away from a nerve cell, is also a major factor in the permanent disability that occurs with Multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis appear in a variation. Most patients would first have a single attack of symptoms called the clinical isolated syndrome, which typically occurs between the ages of 20 - 40 years. Initial symptoms could be mild enough that patients do not always quickly seek the medical care. Once a second attack happens, the patient is considered to have a relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Much less commonly, the disease is quite progressive from the start, with the patient having more or less continuous symptoms.

Symptoms are more likely to occur earlier in the disease which may include Optic neuritis, inflammation of the nerves in the eye that affects over 50% of patients and is the first symptom in about 16% of its patients. Symptoms include unclear or doubled vision, usually in one of the eyes. Some people also see a shimmering effect. Patients may also have pain or involuntary jerking or movement of the eye which is called nystagmus. In 20% of people with similar condition, Multiple sclerosis develops within 2 years after the onset of these symptoms.

Fatigue is mostly worse in the afternoon and may be accompanied by an increase in the body temperature. At the onset of the disease, this occurs in about 20% of patients, but as the disease progresses, this is a significant symptom in nearly all its patients.

Tingling or loss of the sensations can also occur, usually among the legs. Symptoms often start at the end of the legs or arms and move on towards the beginning of the limb. The patient may also have painful sensations around the abdomen area. Lhermitte's sign is often known as an early sign of multiple sclerosis. This sort of electrical sensation is produced by bending the neck forward which runs down the back and into the legs.

Muscle weakness in the legs and poor coordination are a few major symptoms. Weakness may often occur during the heat exposure and also after exercise. Patients may also have problems with their balance and a tremor as well.

Spasticity is actually the inability to control the muscle tone, leading to spasms and stiffness. It is quite common with Multiple sclerosis. Symptoms include a sensation of burning, itching, aching, and quivering. They usually occur in the arms and legs and last from seconds to nearly a few minutes.

Disturbances in the bladder are also another very common symptom. Some patients have problems while urinating at will, a condition known as the urinary retention. It often takes the form of an urge incontinence which is also called hyperactive or irritable bladder. People with the urge incontinence need to urinate quite frequently or are unable to reach the bathroom before leakage occurs.

• Matt Thompson
• 06/06/2009, 3:59 AM
• 0 Comments