Initial symptoms and signs of MS are varied. Therefore, the question, "What are initial MS symptoms?" cannot be answered clearly. Each course and its symptoms are different, depending on which areas of the brain are inflamed.
These are z. B. typical MS symptoms: 1
– Visual disturbances (decreased visual acuity, "seeing as if through fog," double vision, etc.).) – Motor disturbances (paralysis) – Sensory disturbances of the skin (tingling, insensitivity, numbness, etc.) – Sensory disturbances of the skin (tingling, insensitivity, numbness, etc.). How do thrusts hang. MS symptoms together?The presence of relapses and their frequency significantly determines the course of the MS disease. During a relapse, one or more foci of inflammation (lesions) occur in the central nervous system (CNS). These lesions can heal without damage. Sometimes scars develop, which are signs of the destruction of the nerve tie. 1
It can also happen that the symptoms do not regress completely, but only partially. The MS symptoms are caused by the damage of the nerve tie. They are varied and depend on which region of the CNS is affected by the inflammation.
How do I recognize a relapse?
A relapse can be recognized by MS symptoms appearing for the first time or recurring. They may disappear completely or partially within days, weeks or months. It is often difficult for those affected to recognize a relapse.
Indications can be
– MS symptoms must last at least 24 hours. – There should be at least three months between two relapses. – The symptoms should not be caused by external circumstances, z. B. Infection, heat/cold, exhaustion or stress. 2
Multiple sclerosis – first symptoms
Although the course of MS varies greatly, it is possible to observe which initial symptoms (also called early symptoms) occur more frequently in MS.
For example, these are common first MS symptoms: 1
Visual disturbances
First MS symptoms often show up through disturbances in vision. Vision appears blurred, you look as if you are looking through Fog or Milk glass, sometimes occur double vision At. This is because u. a. Optic nerves are inflamed. Sometimes sufferers describe associated stabbing pain when they move their eyes. 3, 4
Motor disturbances (paralysis or signs of paralysis)
Paralysis or signs of paralysis are also considered to be the first MS symptoms. Legs feel as if lead is hanging from them. Muscles appear stiff. When walking, the affected person stumbles, the arms do not always obey "the inner commands". 3
Sensory disturbances on arms and legs
Many people with MS report that they Sensory disturbances on the skin (disturbances of the sensibility) as first symptoms noticed. This MS symptom shows up z. B. by areas of skin suddenly tingling as if ants were walking over them. Sometimes an area of the skin hurts or feels numb. 3, 4
Decreasing coordination
Also the coordination may diminish: For example, people with MS grip next to the targeted object. Getting up from a chair suddenly becomes difficult, walking becomes unsteady. These MS symptoms are an indication that areas of the nervous system that control motor function are inflamed. 3 ,4
Pain as an MS symptom
People with MS disease often suffer from pain. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of sufferers affected in the course. Some also report pain as a first MS symptom. This often manifests itself as so-called neuropathic pain. It is described as shooting in. Usually does not last long. 5, 6
Neuropathic pain
They are also called neurogenic pain and occur when the MS damaged nerves has and the Transmission of signals is disturbed.
Dysesthetic pain
So-called dysesthetic pain are considered MS symptoms. They are described as a constant, burning pain. It occurs without external influence and is most noticeable in the legs and feet. Characteristically, the pain worsens at night and during physical activity.
Facial nerves
Often damaged is the Trigeminal nerve, that runs along the sides of the head. Trigeminal neuralgia tends to cause severe pain in the areas of the eyes, jaw, forehead, scalp, lips, nose and both sides of the face. The pain occurs abruptly, often triggered by everyday activities such as brushing teeth.
Neck and Lhermitte's sign
A typical pain symptom is also the Lhermitte signs. It is a brief feeling of pain that is felt when the neck is flexed and that radiates to other areas of the body.
Nociceptive pain
This type of pain does not occur because of damaged nerves, but for example as a consequence of incorrect posture or Spasticity. The entire musculoskeletal system can be affected by it.
Therapy of the MS symptom pain
The key to therapy is to make an accurate diagnosis and to identify the cause of the pain Reason for the symptom pain to be found. Because it depends on which measures and medications work best.
Substances that influence the function of messenger substances on the nerves are suitable for treating neuropathic pain. If the pain is caused by spasticity, the symptom may be better controlled if the spasticity is reduced. Measures from rehabilitation (such as physiotherapy) can also help, especially to relieve the nociceptive pain. 6, 7
What is spasticity in MS?
About 54 percent of MS patients suffer from spasticity in the first year of their disease. 8 And ca. 80 percent of people with MS have spasticity. 9 Spasticity occurs when nerve pathways are damaged and nerve impulses are no longer transmitted to the muscles in an orderly fashion. Symptoms vary in severity. They can occur in all muscles. But they mostly appear on legs, arms, hips or back. Examples are stiff fingers or neck pain. 10,11
Symptoms of spasticity
Spasticity is characterized by stiff and/or rigid muscles or twitching in the muscles – u. a. on the thigh. A feeling of stiffness. heaviness in the muscles. – Leg, arm or finger can only be moved with difficulty, a knee can no longer be bent. – Individual muscle groups are tight or cramped. – Tightness in the chest that feels like a tight band around the rib cage. – followed by mild to severe muscle pain, comparable to a "sore muscle".
Triggers for the symptom spasticity
Various situations can trigger spasticity, these include, for example:
– infections – pain – heat/cold – too tight clothes – stress/high strain
The factors that trigger spasticity vary from person to person.
Therapy of spasticity
Spasticity is often recognized and diagnosed late. If you discover signs of spasticity in yourself, consult your health care provider – and be persistent! Movement restrictions. Control associated stresses. In the beginning, spasticity is usually treated with physiotherapy. Physical therapy treats. If these measures are no longer enough, think about medication. These substances reduce tension in the muscles. Since 2011, a cannabinoid has also been approved for moderate to severe spasticity. 9, 10
It can also be observed that complementary practices such as yoga, tai chi, meditation or acupuncture can be of help with this symptom. However, there are no scientific studies available yet. 10, 11
Fatigue in MS
Fatigue is a symptom that many people with MS develop, and unfortunately, it often limits them greatly. It manifests as a lack of physical and/or mental energy. The person feels exhausted, tired, lacks all drive.
Why does the symptom fatigue develop?
The causes of MS-related fatigue are not really understood yet, but it is known that fatigue can occur as a result of various factors, such as. B.: 4
Sleep disorders: They are often caused by MS symptoms that interrupt sleep at night, u. a. By pain, urinary urgency, spasticity. Infections: Fever can make people feel very exhausted. Muscular effortMS sufferers often need more strength to compensate for their reduced mobility. Medication: As a side effect, many drugs make you tired or sleepy.
Treatment of fatigue
To treat fatigue successfully, it usually takes a Treatment team, which is composed of different specialties. Especially non-medicinal measures can alleviate fatigue. This includes, for example: Distributing tasks wisely throughout the day and regularly incorporating phases of stress and rest into daily life in order to better control fatigue.