Vision problems
are one of the first symptoms that are commonly reported. This includes blurry or double vision, loss of vision or color contrast, or pain while moving the eye. Vision problems can be very scary and affect your independence. Numbness and tingling can occur in your feet, legs, hands, arms or face.
What does MS feel like in the beginning?
Numbness or Tingling
A lack of feeling or a pins-and-needles sensation
can be the first sign of the nerve damage from MS. It usually happens in the face, arms, or legs, and on one side of the body. It also tends to go away on its own.
What part of the body does MS affect first?
Visual problems are often the first symptoms associated with MS.
The optic (eye) nerve
can become inflamed (optic neuritis) as the optic nerve is a common area where damage to the protective covering of nerves (demyelination) occurs. More than half of people with MS will experience at least one issue with vision.
When should you suspect multiple sclerosis?
People should consider the diagnosis of MS if they have one or more of these symptoms:
vision loss in one or both eyes
.
acute paralysis in the legs or along one side of the body
.
acute numbness and tingling in a limb
.
What are the early symptoms of MS in a woman?
- vision problems.
- tingling and numbness.
- pains and spasms.
- weakness or fatigue.
- balance problems or dizziness.
- bladder issues.
- sexual dysfunction.
- cognitive problems.
What are the four stages of MS?
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) This is the first episode of symptoms caused by inflammation and damage to the myelin covering on nerves in the brain or spinal cord. …
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) …
- Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) …
- Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)
What are the final stages of multiple sclerosis?
- Vision problems, including blurriness or blindness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Difficulty with coordination and balance.
- Problems with walking and standing.
- Feelings of numbness, prickling, or pain.
- Partial or complete paralysis.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Hearing loss.
When should you stop working with MS?
If you’re experiencing numerous symptoms, you
may consider quitting your job immediately
. But symptoms can go away as quickly as they start. Many people with MS get great satisfaction out of their work, so take time to consider what’s important to you.
Can I test myself for MS?
With multiple sclerosis (MS),
self-diagnosing is not the way to go
. This disease may cause permanent damage even in its earliest stages so it’s crucial to get it properly diagnosed as soon as possible. A doctor is critical for this method.
Can you have MS for years and not know it?
Benign MS can’t be identified at the time of initial diagnosis
; it can take as long as 15 years to diagnose. The course of MS is unpredictable, and having benign MS doesn’t mean that it can’t progress into a more severe form of MS.
What does MS tingling feel like?
For some people, the tingling sensations of MS are similar to
those a person experiences when a foot or hand “falls asleep
.” Others report more intense sensations, such as squeezing or burning. It is common for people to report bands of tingling.
Can MS come on suddenly?
Symptoms. Most commonly, MS starts with a vague symptom that disappears completely within a few days or weeks.
Symptoms can appear suddenly
and then vanish for years after the first episode, or in some cases never reappear. The symptoms of MS vary greatly and can range from mild to severe.
What does MS leg pain feel like?
It often occurs in the legs. Paraesthesia types include pins and needles, tingling, shivering, burning pains, feelings of pressure, and areas of skin with heightened sensitivity to touch. The pains associated with these can be
aching, throbbing, stabbing, shooting, gnawing, tingling, tightness and numbness
.
Does MS show up in blood work?
No blood test can diagnose MS individually
. However, the doctor may order blood testing to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Blood testing can rule out the following health problems: Lyme disease.
What happens with untreated MS?
And if left untreated, MS can
result in more nerve damage and an increase in symptoms
. Starting treatment soon after you’re diagnosed and sticking with it may also help delay the potential progression from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary-progressive MS (SPMS).
Is MS considered a disability?
If you have
Multiple Sclerosis
, often known as MS, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if your condition has limited your ability to work. To qualify and be approved for disability benefits with MS, you will need to meet the SSA’s Blue Book listing 11.09.
