Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, breaking down the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers that are responsible for passing messages from the brain to the rest of the body. The deterioration of the nerves caused by MS results in several symptoms that affect cognitive function, the bladder and bowels, energy levels, mood and behavior, muscles, and even vision.

Here are five common early warning signs of MS:

1. Vision problems

Multiple sclerosis can affect different areas of the body controlled by the central nervous system, including vision. Among the early warning signs of multiple sclerosis are vision problems. This occurs when the optic nerve, which sends messages from the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed, resulting in blurred vision, painful eye movements, and color distortion. Known as optic neuritis, this is a prevalent issue for MS patients.

2. Numbness and tingling

The nerves of the human body control the sensation of touch. When MS prompts the immune system to attack the central nervous system, myelin surrounding the spinal cord begins to break down. This causes patients to experience pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities (i.e., fingers and toes). This is known as Lhermitte’s sign, and it causes intense feelings of electric shocks in the neck, spine, trunk and limbs.

3. Fatigue and weakness

Muscle fatigue and weakness is common with MS patients. Muscle atrophy may be caused by decreased use of the muscles due to chronic pain and weakness. As the spinal column deteriorates, the ability to control the muscles also weakens. As a result, it is important to move and perform physical therapy exercises regularly to support mobility for as long as possible.

4. Bladder and bowel problems

Bladder problems are a common early sign of MS for both women and men. Some patients may feel the need to urinate more often, and experience incontinence or urinary urgency as a result. As MS progresses, bladder problems may extend to the bowels. Bowel issues can include both diarrhea and constipation, depending on the disease progression in the affected person.

5. Cognitive issues

Among the cognitive problems MS patients can face are difficulties concentrating, short attention span, communication issues, lack of facial expression, organizational issues, and memory problems. Cognitive issues are often an early warning sign of MS in many patients