Do you experience frequent tingling and vision impairment? Watch out for early symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Are you experiencing frequent tingling sensations and vision impairment? Have you noticed sudden tingling or blurred vision without any clear reason? Many people assume these symptoms are just due to fatigue or lack of sleep. However, they could actually be early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease. Unfortunately, MS is often not recognized in its early stages, which means that many cases are only diagnosed when the condition has already progressed significantly.

Getting to know Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. This condition causes inflammation that damages the protective layer of nerves (myelin), disrupting the passage of signals from the brain to other parts of the body. As a result, patients may experience various symptoms, including visual disturbances, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty controlling urination or defecation, and memory and concentration problems.

What's the Cause?

The exact cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown. The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissue: the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damages the myelin, which is the protective coating around nerve cells (neurons). Myelin is a protective coating around nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord that transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling vision, sensation, and movement. It is unclear why MS only occurs in some people. However, genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors plays an important role in the development of the disease.

Risk Factors

• Age: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is most common between the ages of 20 and 40.

• Gender: Women are two to three times more likely than men to have relapsing-remitting MS.

• Family history. If one of your relatives has MS, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

• Certain infections. Various viruses have been linked to MS, including the Epstein-Barr virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.

• Vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels and low sun exposure are associated with a higher risk of MS.

• Obesity. People who are overweight have a higher risk of developing MS.

• Certain autoimmune diseases. You are at risk of developing MS if you have other autoimmune conditions. These conditions include thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.

• Smoking. People who smoke have a higher risk of relapsing-remitting MS than people who don't smoke.

Complications that may occur

• Mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or mood swings

• Muscle stiffness or spasms

• Seizures, although very rare

• Severe weakness or paralysis, usually of the arms or legs

• Problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function

• Problems with thinking and memory

How to diagnose?

There is no specific screening test for multiple sclerosis (MS). A diagnosis is made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood tests (ANA and dsDNA), and lumbar puncture. MS diagnosis also involves ruling out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. This process is known as differential diagnosis.

Treatment and Management

While there is no cure for MS, various therapies are available to:

• Reducing the frequency of relapses, for example with immunomodulatory drugs such as interferon beta or glatiramer acetate.

• Manage symptoms, such as pain, fatigue or muscle stiffness

• Improve quality of life, through physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support

  
  

Multiple sclerosis is not an easy disease to recognize in its early stages because its symptoms often resemble those of other, more common conditions. However, a better understanding of the early signs can encourage earlier detection and treatment. If you or someone close to you is experiencing unusual neurological symptoms, consult a doctor promptly. The sooner MS is diagnosed, the better the chances of maintaining an optimal quality of life.

Source:

• NCBI – Multiple Sclerosis

• NCBI – MS: Current Status & Strategies for the Future

• Mayo Clinic – Multiple Sclerosis

• Cleveland Clinic – Multiple Sclerosis (MS)