Peterson Sorenson
Some symptoms are impossible to ignore. Others? They creep in quietly, disguising themselves as everyday exhaustion or stress. That’s what makes multiple sclerosis (MS) so tricky. It doesn’t arrive with flashing lights. Instead, it starts with the little things. Understanding these signs can help you take action sooner rather than later.
Fatigue That Feels Overwhelming
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom of MS. As reported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, fatigue affects nearly 80% of people living with MS. It’s one of the most common symptoms associated with the disease. This fatigue can significantly interfere with daily activities and is often described as an overwhelming sense of exhaustion.
Numbness Or Tingling Sensations
MS attacks the myelin sheath, which leads to misfired signals between the brain and body. This often results in tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation that lingers for days or even weeks. Unlike the temporary numbness from crossing your legs too long, this sensation isn’t linked to position or movement.
Vision Problems Like Blurred Sight
One of the earliest signs of MS in women is optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that causes vision disturbances. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that around 50% of individuals with MS will experience optic neuritis at some stage of their condition.
Unexplained Muscle Weakness
MS disrupts communication between the brain and muscles, leading to sudden weakness or instability. This is losing grip strength, struggling to lift everyday objects, or noticing that one leg feels weaker than the other. Weakness can appear subtly, such as difficulty standing up from a chair or climbing stairs without needing extra effort.
Frequent Dizziness Or Vertigo
MS affects the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation. This leads to vertigo, a sensation of spinning or swaying, even when standing still. Unlike lightheadedness from standing up too fast, MS-related dizziness can last for hours or even days. Some women feel like they’re walking on a boat, while others struggle with depth perception.
Bladder Or Bowel Dysfunction
The nervous system controls bladder and bowel function, so when MS damages nerve pathways, unexpected problems arise. Over 80% of people with MS experience urinary urgency, frequency, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Some women wake up multiple times at night to urinate, while others feel the urge but can’t go. Bowel issues, particularly constipation, are also common.
Cognitive Issues And Memory Gaps
Often called “MS brain fog,” this can manifest as difficulty concentrating or struggling to follow conversations. Although occasional forgetfulness is normal, MS-related cognitive decline is persistent and disruptive. This occurs due to lesions in areas responsible for processing information. Some women notice they take longer to complete tasks or need frequent reminders.
Mood Swings Or Depression
Nerve damage in the brain disrupts the regulation of mood, leading to sudden emotional shifts. Women with MS often report unexplained irritability or even episodes of uncontrollable laughter or crying. A study analyzing health databases from the U.S. and U.K. found that MS patients had a two to three times higher incidence of depression.
Pain And Unusual Sensations
A systematic review and meta-analysis reported an overall pain prevalence of approximately 63% in MS patients, encompassing both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. This is sharp, burning, or electric-like pain caused by damaged nerves sending faulty signals. Some women develop trigeminal neuralgia, a stabbing facial pain triggered by everyday actions like brushing their teeth.
Coordination And Balance Struggles
Feeling clumsy or off-balance? It could be more than just a misstep. MS affects proprioception, the body’s ability to sense where it is in space. This can result in stumbling or feeling like the ground shifts beneath your feet. Some women experience tremors or find that fine motor skills become harder.
