Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells in the central nervous system. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be difficult to pinpoint and may even go unnoticed for years before being diagnosed. The early signs of multiple sclerosis are often vague, making it hard to diagnose without a proper medical exam.

However, there are some common symptoms that can help you identify if you or someone close to you may have the disease:

1. Balance issues

Balance issues are the most common early sign of multiple sclerosis. This may appear as unsteadiness while walking, clumsiness, or a constant bobbing of the head. Most people experience these issues in their 40s, but they can also occur at other ages and during the later stages of multiple sclerosis.

2. Numbness and spasms

The second most common symptom of multiple sclerosis is numbness in the limbs or facial muscles. Sometimes, tremors or spasms may appear with no clear reason or pattern. These symptoms are often reported by patients experiencing early symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

3. Vision issues

Visual problems are another common sign of multiple sclerosis. Individuals may have difficulty focusing on objects, or see spots of light in their vision. This symptom can become persistent and will usually worsen with time.

4. Bladder issues

Multiple sclerosis can cause a frequent and urgent need to urinate, while also leading to other urinary problems. Difficulty in emptying the bladder is a symptom of multiple sclerosis that does not clear up easily even with treatment.

5. Cognitive problems

The brain is usually not affected directly by multiple sclerosis, but patients with this disease can experience memory problems. Most commonly, this symptom will appear in the form of mild attention deficits and slower response rates.

6. Sexual dysfunction

Many people suffering from multiple sclerosis experience reduced libido. It is important to note that in multiple sclerosis, the lack of sexual desire may not be directly related to the condition, but rather caused by depression.

7. Fatigue

With multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks healthy cells in the nervous system. Over time, this can cause damage to the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as fatigue. This is one of the most common early signs of MS, along with numbness and vision problems. Fatigue occurs for seemingly no reason, even after resting or exercising. You might feel sudden exhaustion that prevents you from doing your usual activities.

8. Muscle and nerve pain

Muscle or nerve pain is also a possible early sign of multiple sclerosis. The pain will usually be localized in the arms and legs, but it can also occur throughout the body. In case of lesions on the spine, patients might feel a prickling or tingling sensation around their back.

Early diagnosis greatly increases your chances of getting adequate treatment for multiple sclerosis, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life and reduced risk of complications. If you see any of the above signs, talk to your doctor about taking an exam to check for MS.