5 Warning Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease in which the brain cannot communicate with the body. This disease may cause the person to lose coordination, have trouble walking, have vision problems, and cannot hold or lift items. MS occurs when the person’s immune system attacks and destroys the protective coverings around the brain and spinal cord nerves. The damage disrupts or blocks nerve communication. While MS can occur at any age, most people have symptoms between 15 and 60 years old. The cause of MS is unknown, but scientists are researching environmental factors, genetics, and viruses. Each person with MS may be affected differently. Here are five warning signs of MS. If you have these, tell your health care professional: 1. Balance problems Feeling unsteady, clumsy, or dizzy is one indicator of MS. It can happen because messages between your eyes and inner ear are lost or disrupted. When nerves that convey messages between the brain and inner ear or eyes are damaged, the information is lost, and your balance is affected. In addition, muscle stiffness or spasms may prevent your muscles from responding to signals from the brain. 2. Bladder issues Because of damaged nerves, bladder control issues are common for people with this disease.