World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2024: Fatigue, dizziness, numbness in the face are early symptoms

Vertigo (the feeling of spinning) and dizziness are common symptoms in MS patients. (Image: Canva)

World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2024: The brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) can become severely damaged by multiple sclerosis (MS), a potentially fatal condition. The protective covering (myelin) that wraps around nerve fibres is attacked by the immune system in multiple sclerosis (MS), which impairs body-to-brain communication. The illness has the potential to eventually result in irreversible harm or degeneration of the nerve cells. For young individuals, multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent central nervous system illness. People with multiple sclerosis may experience other complications such as spasms or stiffness in their muscles, severe weakness or paralysis, usually in the legs, issues with the bladder, bowel, or sexual function, cognitive difficulties like forgetting words or experiencing mood swings, and, very rarely, seizures.

Initial signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Recognising the early signs and symptoms of MS is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Here are some key symptoms to watch out for as suggested by Dr Sonia Lal Gupta – senior neurologist & director - Metro Group of hospitals

Fatigue: It is a prevalent and initial symptom of multiple sclerosis. This is a serious exhaustion that might impede with daily tasks, not just a typical sleepiness. Fatigue in MS patients can strike suddenly and intensely, frequently not correlated with the amount of activity they engage in.

Difficulty in walking: Movement issues may be the first indication of multiple sclerosis. A heavy or dragging foot, an unstable walk, or generalised limb weakness could be examples of this. These symptoms are frequently brought on by muscle weakness, stiffness, or balance and coordination issues, all of which are typical in multiple sclerosis.

Numbness or tingling: One of the most typical early symptoms of multiple sclerosis is numbness or tingling in the face, arms, legs, or fingers. These feelings may come and go, and their severity can fluctuate. They frequently serve as the initial sign of MS-related nerve degeneration.

Vision related problems: Vision problems are often one of the earliest signs of multiple sclerosis. This can include double or blurry vision, partial or total blindness, usually in one eye at a time, and pain while moving the eyes. Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, is typically the cause of these issues.

Feeling of dizziness and vertigo: Vertigo (the feeling of spinning) and dizziness are common symptoms in MS patients. Experiencing major impairments to balance and coordination, these symptoms can make daily tasks difficult to do.

Cognitive changes: Cognitive problems, including issues with concentration, memory, and attention, can also be early signs of multiple sclerosis. The degree of these symptoms varies, and they may have an impact on one's capacity to complete challenging tasks or productivity at work.