Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a degenerative disorder which impacts the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis symptoms escalate as an individual’s immune system gradually attacks the protective layer which normally shields nerve tissue. Early signs and symptoms often vary tremendously depending on which part of a person’s nervous system is impacted by MS. The treatments for MS commonly prescribed by doctors may include relapsing-remitting medications such as Ocrevus, Enspryng, Mayzent, Gilenya, and Zeposia; as well as changes to diet and lifestyle to help reduce symptoms.

However, there are a few symptoms which are common enough to be seen as an early sign of MS:

1. Vision problems
Vision problems are one of the most easily recognizable signs of multiple sclerosis. Problems with vision typically arise due to the fact that it’s so reliant on the central nervous system. The exact nature of the problem will vary on a case by case basis. In early stages one will typically experience slightly blurred vision. This is the point where one should seek out medical attention. If left untreated this condition can escalate into full blindness.

2. Tingling and numbness
Many symptoms of multiple sclerosis MS are difficult to diagnose due to the fact that they can arise from numerous different sources. Tingling and numbness are an early sign of MS. However, a wide number of medical issues will produce similar symptoms. And most commonly people tend to experience tingling and numbness from minor injuries. The best method to differentiate symptoms which arise from multiple sclerosis is to think back to when the problem began. The symptoms typically arise suddenly and seemingly from nowhere when they’re related to multiple sclerosis. On top of this the symptoms usually last for days or even weeks.

3. Pains and spasms
Multiple sclerosis mainly operates through damage to nerve tissue. This is the same tissue which controls pain responses and many aspects of muscle movement. All of this means that it’s quite common for people to suddenly notice odd pains or muscle spasms in the early stages of multiple sclerosis. Either of these symptoms can arise from other sources. However, if someone is at special risk for multiple sclerosis then they should always consult a doctor if they see these symptoms appear.

4. Weakness or fatigue
As with tingling and numbness it’s natural to feel weak or fatigued at times. However, with multiple sclerosis these feelings arise suddenly and last for an abnormally long time. People often find themselves feeling exhausted and no amount of sleep seems to help. This can end up being an early symptom of multiple sclerosis.

5. Balance problems or dizziness
People in the early stages of multiple sclerosis often find themselves stumbling or feeling like they’re about to fall. The subjective descriptions often vary between individuals. However, from an outside perspective these issues fall under a larger banner of balance problems. This issue in particular is often noticed as easily by friends and family as it is by the person experiencing it.

6. Bladder issues
People suffering from the early stages of multiple sclerosis often find themselves needing more frequent bathroom breaks. This doesn’t always mean that a person will become incontinent. But as multiple sclerosis progresses most people find that bladder control decreases.

7. Cognitive problems
Some of the cognitive issues related to multiple sclerosis include memory issues and difficulty forming proper sentences. Cognition is something which varies tremendously between any two people. As a result it’s not always easy to say which particular cognitive issues might develop. However, in general someone in the early stages of multiple sclerosis will notice some mental tasks are becoming more difficult to accomplish.