The presence of nerve cell structures in the synchronous and proper function of the human body is vital. Multiple sclerosis, or MS,  is a condition characterized by the destruction of myelin sheaths enlisted to protect these very structures from damage. Doctors often prescribe  medications like ocrevus, vumerity, kesimpta, aubagio, mayzent, zeposia to help reduce the nerve damage.

As an auto-immune disease, MS represents a truly ironic reality. Our immune system typically does an excellent job at protecting our bodies from pathogenic invaders. However, instances do exist where the same immune system suffers some defect and instead begins to attack healthy tissue and systems within the body. In some extreme circumstances, nerve deterioration may eventually become permanent, crippling simple motor functions such as walking or standing, while others may experience minor damage with extensive periods of remission. The disparity in how individuals are afflicted do seem to stem from a variety of risk factors, including genetics, low Vitamin D consumption and gender. In identifying if you have been afflicted by this condition, there are various physical symptoms that often become prevalent in the early stages:

1. Vision problems
With our sense of sight being arguably the most important tool in perceiving the environment around us, it is quite disheartening as we recognize it is often the first and most common system to be affected. Typically, when light enters the eye it is broken down into comprehensible electrical impulses that are transported to the brain via the optic nerve. When this area is affected, it may lead to inflammation and subsequent disruption of central vision. Vision problems can include double vision, blurred vision or even blindness with a total loss of vision. It should also be noted that the progression of this symptom may not be immediately apparent, as a loss in vision clarity can be a slow process, occasionally featuring pain when attempting to shift one’s gaze.

2. Tingling and numbness
Which is also known as paresthesia, this prickling sensation is one that we typically associate with a prolonged application of pressure to a specific site on the body. Popularly encountered due to crossing one’s legs or falling asleep on the arm, this form of sensory overload is not a pleasant experience and can be felt at any point along the body. When MS affects the brain and spinal column, this means that garbled and conflicting messages may be sent throughout the body leading to a simulated tingling sensation. In other circumstances, no signals are sent, resulting in this feeling of numbness. While it is a common symptom of MS, a trained medical professional should always perform the diagnosis, as this is also prevalent in those afflicted with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

3. Pains and spasms
For many, stiff muscles and joints are often mistakenly attributed to the onset of old age or overwork. Statistics show that approximately half of all individuals diagnosed with MS experience chronic pain and spasms. These manifest themselves through constant stimulation of pain receptors and explosive, uncontrollable jerking motions in the extremities, such as the arms and legs. While back pain is widespread among those plagued by the disease, the legs also appear to be frequently targeted.

4. Weakness or fatigue
Early stages of the disease often feature unexplained weakness or fatigue. Frequently afflicted sites include the spinal column in most individuals as chronic fatigue sets into the deteriorating nerve sites. This is often seen in weakening stability of the legs, increasing the difficulty involved in standing upright and supporting the rest of the body.

5. Balance problems or dizziness
Another clear indication is the perception of disorientation that one may experience akin to losing all balance and semblance of a cohesive, stable environment. Being lightheaded or dizzy may also be clear-cut symptoms that give a constant feeling of falling when attempting to stand or trying to maintain a steady gait.

6. Bladder issues
Constant bladder issues also contribute to the problematic experiences shared by the afflicted. Due to a loss of effective communication between the brain and the muscles involved in the release of urine, it becomes difficult for the body to regulate the emission of its waste. This is manifested in constant urination or inability to control the urge to urinate.

7. Cognitive problems
As one would surmise, the onslaught of MS is not restricted to the body’s extremities, but can also profoundly affect cognitive function. As the central base of operations, these cognitive problems include a significant disruption of consciousness and impairment of high-level mental processes. These include issues with short and long term memory, a severely reduced attention span, impediments to language and difficulty with maintaining organization.

Despite vigorous efforts in modern science, there does not yet exist a cure to this ailment. Nevertheless, the ability to identify symptoms of this disease will be essential in helping to curtail and seek treatments to its effects, before they become a significant detriment to your quality of life.