5 Warning Signs of MS
There are around 400,000 people in the United States who have multiple sclerosis (MS). The symptoms of the disease usually begin when a person is between the ages of 20 and 40 but can happen at any age. It can be difficult to determine when someone has multiple sclerosis because the symptoms can come and go, and they vary widely from person to person. Knowing some of the common early warning signs of MS can help you to identify it in your family member and help you to arrange for their care sooner. Below are 5 possible early warning signs of the disease.
#1: Problems with Vision
Elder Care Ada, MI: 5 Warning Signs of MS
One of the most common early symptoms of MS are problems with vision. Unfortunately, they can come on gradually, so may not be associated with the onset of MS. Some vision problems that may occur are blurry vision, double vision, and vision loss. The person may also feel pain when they look up or to on side.
#2: Ongoing Dizziness
Dizziness can be caused by a lot of things. However, dizziness caused by MS is often worse than dizziness from other causes and lasts for two or more days. The dizziness from MS can make walking difficult because it throws off the person’s equilibrium. MS can also cause vertigo, which is the feeling that the person is standing still while the room spins around them.
#3: Spasms and Pain
About half of all people with MS have chronic pain. In addition, they commonly have muscle spasms or muscle rigidity. Pain and spasms are most common in legs but can also occur in the back.
#4: Numbness or Tingling in a Limb
Everyone has an arm or leg “fall asleep” once in a while, which causes it to feel numb and then begin to tingle. However, people with MS can feel numbness or tingling in an arm or leg for a day or more.
#5: Fatigue or Weakness
Around 80 percent of people with MS deal with chronic fatigue and weakness. Fatigue is caused by damage to nerves in the spinal column. It usually comes on suddenly, then lasts for weeks. Weakness associated with MS typically starts in the legs.
If your family member has been diagnosed with MS, an elder care provider can assist them when symptoms make certain aspects of daily life difficult. An elder care provider can handle household tasks, like cleaning and laundry, when fatigue makes it hard for the person to get things done. Elder care providers can also help them to walk safely when they feel dizzy or when their legs feel weak.
If you or someone you know needs help with Elder Care in Ada, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable homecare services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/early-signs
https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms#1
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/4-early-signs-of-ms-you-shouldnt-ignore/
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