Over the years, many popular celebrities, like Selma Blair, Christina Applegate, and pro basketball player Chris Wright, have opened up about their struggles with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune condition that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS), leading to various neurological symptoms and complications.
Unfortunately, diagnosing the condition can be challenging, with patients having little to no symptoms. This can often lead to delayed diagnosis and poor treatment outcomes. However, to address the same, Dr Hemakrishna P, Consultant, Neurology and Movement Disorders, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, shares some of the early (first) symptoms of MS to watch out for. But before getting into that, let’s understand what MS is and how it impacts the body.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), MS affects more than 10.8 lakh people worldwide, with a higher prevalence in young adults and in females.
Multiple sclerosis occurs when the body's own immune system attacks the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord. People affected by the condition either have mild symptoms with little to no disability or they experience progressive or worsening complications that lead to increased disability over time, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Why Early Diagnosis Of Multiple Sclerosis Is Crucial
Unfortunately, MS often has a period where individuals show no symptoms, leading to a delay in diagnosis. This can occur before the initial presentation of MS, whether in the form of a clinically isolated syndrome or, in rare cases, primary progressive MS.
Dr Hemakrishna emphasises the importance of early diagnosis of MS due to the progressive or recurring nature of the disease.
He says, "Identifying the condition in its initial stages helps slow down the progression of symptoms and prevent further attacks, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals affected by the disease."
According to StatPearls Publishing, early diagnosis of MS helps facilitate the "prompt initiation of disease-modifying therapy aimed at reducing relapses and long-term disability."
Also Read: 8 Things You Should Know About Multiple Sclerosis
First Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis
Early signs of multiple sclerosis include:
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Bladder symptoms
- Difficulties with coordination or balance
Dr Hemakrishna says, “These symptoms may appear intermittently, making it difficult to identify the exact onset of the condition. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if any of these symptoms are present.”
Diagnosis And Treatment
Diagnosing MS typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, neurological examination, and various tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, spinal taps, and blood tests.
While there isn't a cure for MS, treatment usually aims to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patient. This includes:
- Medications such as corticosteroids help control inflammation in the acute phase.
- Disease-modifying treatments, both in the form of oral and parenteral medications, to reduce relapses, control disease activity, and alleviate symptoms like fatigue, muscle spasms, and pain.
- Physical and occupational therapy to improve mobility, strength, and coordination
- Lifestyle modifications, such as stress management, exercise, and a healthy diet.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own doctor if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]