What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Early signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary for each person. MS onset symptoms can include vision problems, weakness, tingling and numbness, and more.
MS is a relapsing or progressive disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves of the brain and spinal cord.
central nervous system (CNS)
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), the disease affects nearly 1 million adults in the United States. Most people with MS experience their first symptoms in their 20s or 30s.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)
MS
20s or 30s
Early intervention offers the best chance at preventing long-term disability. So it is crucial to recognize the initial symptoms of MS and seek prompt medical attention. Read on to learn more.
Vision changes with MS
Share on Pinterest
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that vision problems are often the first symptom of MS. Inflammation and demyelination disrupt vision when it affects the optic nerves.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Inflammation
Possible vision changes include:
blurred vision
double vision
double vision
red color distortion
loss of vision
pain with eye movement when looking up or to the side
Learn more about how MS can affect vision.
Learn more about how MS can affect vision.
Fatigue and weakness with MS
Most people with MS experience fatigue and weakness. Nerve damage in the spine and brain results in long-term, or chronic, fatigue.
Most
Weakness most commonly affects one extremity at a time before affecting other body parts. The symptom may be very bothersome for several days to a few weeks or barely detectable to start with and worsen over time.
Learn more about fatigue and MS.
Learn more about fatigue and MS.
Tingling and numbness with MS
Tingling and numbness are other common early warning signs of MS. These symptoms most often occur in the:
common
arms
face
hands
legs
Initially, the numbness and tingling may be very noticeable. However, this can become painful over time. Most of the time, these symptoms are not disabling initially.
Symptoms can come and go in periods of exacerbation, when they worsen, and remission, when they lessen in severity but do not resolve completely.
Learn about MS tingling patterns.
Learn about MS tingling patterns.
Pain and spasms with MS
Up to two-thirds of people with MS worldwide report experiencing related pain.
Up to two-thirds
Examples of short-term pain include:
trigeminal neuralgia, a sudden, severe pain in the face
trigeminal neuralgia
Lhermitte’s sign, a brief, electric shock-like sensation from the back of the head down the spine
Lhermitte’s sign
neuropathic pain, a burning or sharp sensation around the body
neuropathic pain
MS hug, a sensation of pressure around the ribs
MS hug
Dizziness and loss of balance with MS
Dizziness and balance problems affect many people with MS. They may experience:
may experience
feeling off balance
frequent falls
near-falls, such as tripping
a feeling of falling toward one side or the other
These symptoms can cause people to lose their balance, fall, or find it difficult to walk.
Less commonly, people with MS experience vertigo, which is the sensation that the surroundings are spinning.
vertigo
Bladder and bowel issues with MS
The majority of people with MS experience some degree of bladder dysfunction. Bladder issues occur when lesions affect nerve signals that control the bladder and urinary function.
majority
Symptoms typically include:
increased urinary frequency
increased urinary frequency
urinary urgency
difficulty starting urination
difficulty starting urination
nighttime urination
incontinence
incontinence
difficulty emptying the bladder
difficulty emptying the bladder
Bowel issues are also common in people with MS. Most experience constipation or loss of bowel control.
constipation
Learn more about bowel issues and MS.
Learn more about bowel issues and MS.
Sexual problems with MS
Sexual arousal begins in the CNS when the brain sends messages to the sex organs.
Damage to these nerves causes some people with MS to notice changes in their levels of sexual desire, sexual activity, and ability to orgasm.
some
orgasm
Other symptoms of MS, such as fatigue and pain, may also reduce sexual desire.
Read about dating a person with MS.
Read about dating a person with MS.
Cognitive and emotional changes with MS
Approximately half of all people with MS will notice cognitive changes that cause:
Approximately half
difficulty finding words
memory loss
difficulty with the speed of processing information
Other symptoms of MS
Less common symptoms that affect people with MS include:
include
headaches
headaches
hearing loss
hearing loss
speech problems
trouble swallowing
walking difficulties
itching feelings
loss of taste
Learn all there is to know about MS in our dedicated hub.
Learn all there is to know about MS in our dedicated hub
Risk factors for MS
MS is an autoimmune disease that damages the CNS. The exact cause is not clear. However, genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in its onset.
Factors that increase the risk of developing MS include:
Age: MS most commonly appears in people aged between 20 and 40 years. However, it can occur at any age.
20 and 40 years
Sex: The condition affects three times as many women as men, according to the NMSS.
NMSS
Family history: A person who has a family member with MS may have a higher chance of developing it.
may have
Infection: Several viruses may increase the risk of MS, including an abnormal immune reaction to the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis.
including
Geographic region: MS is more common in temperate climates than in sunny regions. Within the U.S., the condition is more common in northern states.
more common
Race: MS can affect people of any background. Recent research indicates the incidence of MS among Black people is consistent with the rate among white people.
consistent
When to contact a doctor
Anyone with early symptoms of MS should consult a doctor without delay. Damage to the CNS can occur before a person experiences symptoms.
Early diagnosis and treatment can provide the best chance of preventing disability.
Many treatments can help slow the progression of MS, and medication can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and bladder problems.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about MS symptoms.
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of MS.
most common
MS can cause feelings of dizziness and vertigo. A person may feel lightheaded or as if their surroundings are spinning.
can cause
Doctors may recommend motion-sickness medication or short term corticosteroids to treat dizziness due to MS.
may recommend
MS can cause dizziness but does not typically cause nausea. Other conditions, such as anxiety, migraine, or stomach illnesses may cause dizziness and nausea, but people should contact a doctor for a diagnosis.
can cause
dizziness and nausea
Summary
The signs of MS can vary widely. Most people who develop MS have symptoms in their 20s or 30s.
20s or 30s
Early signs include vision changes, numbness and tingling, and weakness. However, people may experience these symptoms at any point, or they may recur throughout the course of the disease.
Some MS effects, such as muscle spasms, chronic pain, and emotional disturbances, only occur later.
Anyone concerned about symptoms that may indicate MS should talk with their doctor. The sooner a person starts treatment, the more effective it will likely be.
Read this article in Spanish.
Read this article in Spanish.