Severity of Early MS Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the body's immune system actually eats the nerves' protective sheath. The result is nerve deterioration. Some people lose the ability to walk or speak. Diagnosing the early stages of MS is difficult because the symptoms come and go, and the severity of early MS symptoms varies in each individual.

Fatigue

• Fatigue may come and go. For those who feel tired all the time, it can affect the ability to work or carry on everyday tasks. This can include clumsiness and tripping.

Language Skills

• Some days the patient has fluent speech. Other days it is difficult to find the words to speak or find the right words. Slurred speech can occur as well as a lack of concentration.

Behavior

• Depression is part of the frustration of the early symptoms. This can lead to aggression and other inappropriate social actions.

Visual

• Some people experience blurred vision and eye pain. Color distortion can occur as well as eventual blindness.

Skin

• The skin may feel tingly and there may be bouts of numbness. This may last for a few days or for weeks.