What Were Your First MS Symptoms? - Fixanswer

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.

Where does MS usually start?

“Because MS can

develop anywhere within the central nervous system and encompasses the optic nerves, the brain and the spine

, a lot of different types of critical attacks can occur, so that leads to diagnostic complexity,” says Thomas Shoemaker, MD, a neurologist and MS expert at the Rush Multiple Sclerosis Center.

Does MS occur suddenly?

“MS attacks usually come on slowly over days to weeks,

although sometimes they can happen suddenly and even get

mistaken for a stroke,” says Dr. Kantor. No two relapses are alike. The severity of your symptoms can run the gamut from mild or barely noticeable to severe and debilitating.

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

.

How can I test myself for MS?

There are no specific tests for MS

. Instead, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis often relies on ruling out other conditions that might produce similar signs and symptoms, known as a differential diagnosis. Your doctor is likely to start with a thorough medical history and examination.

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)

Can you have MS for years and not know it?

“MS is diagnosed most commonly in the ages between 20 and 50. It can occur in children and teens, and those older than 50,” said Smith. “But

it can go unrecognized for years

.” Added Rahn, “The incidence of MS in the United States according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society is over 1 million people.

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.

Does MS show up in blood work?

While

there is no definitive blood test for MS

, blood tests can rule out other conditions that cause symptoms similar to those of MS, including lupus erythematosis, Sjogren’s, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, some infections, and rare hereditary diseases.

What does MS itch feel like?

MS itching can range from a minor bother to a stinging itch or

a feeling of having pins and needles

. Unlike a regular itch, the feeling does not go away with scratching. This is because MS affects the nerves that control the area where the itch is, rather than the skin itself. The feeling is generally brief.

What triggers MS to start?

The cause of multiple sclerosis

is unknown

. It’s considered an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS , this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).

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.

How serious is multiple sclerosis?

MS itself is rarely fatal

, but complications may arise from severe MS, such as chest or bladder infections, or swallowing difficulties. The average life expectancy for people with MS is around 5 to 10 years lower than average, and this gap appears to be getting smaller all the time.

How does MS affect dental visits?

CHALLENGES TO ORAL HEALTH. Individuals with MS are at

increased risk for dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis

due to the physical effects of MS, as well as these patients’ reduced immune response. Customized dental treatment planning and customized oral hygiene regimens must be implemented.