Muscular sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, one of the key components in the communication between the brain and body. Unfortunately, even after extensive studies have been conducted, the cause of this disease is still unknown. Yet, there are several early warning signs and symptoms of MS. Detection of these signs are imperative to an early diagnosis and well being:

1. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS. It is experienced by more than half of people battling muscular sclerosis. People sometimes misread this symptom for laziness or depression. Fatigue also affects everyday life like work and hobbies. There are treatments available to help manage fatigue, like heat therapy, physical therapy.

2. Numbness and Tingling
Another symptom someone with MS may have is numbness. No one likes to feel numbness or tingling, as it causes discomfort and could be very painful. This is known to be a very common symptom of Muscular Sclerosis (MS). There is no cure or medication to stop numbness. However, in most cases, it comes and goes and doesn’t interfere with everyday activities. With some, it can be painful enough to interfere with work, chores, and activities.

3. Dizziness
Feeling dizzy or like your eyes are spinning, which knocks you off balance is usually known as vertigo. This is caused by damaged areas in the pathways inside the brain that help maintain your equilibrium. Your physician may suggest anti-motion sick drugs that help with your dizziness.

4. Uncontrollable Bladder
Muscular Sclerosis causes bladder control issues in more than half of people who have MS. Some early detection signs to look for would be a frequent sensation to urinate, loss of bladder or bowel control, and/or constipation. Having bladder issues is awful and embarrassing!

5. Cognitive Problems
This is one of the more severe symptoms. It might even be one of your first signs. Cognitive is high brain level functions that give you the ability to learn, organize, remember, understand, speak, and other major functions. Sometimes it even causes paralysis in people with MS.

Symptoms of Muscular Sclerosis can be mistaken for lots of other conditions, so it is important to pay attention and listen to your body when it is showing you symptoms. Some other symptoms that also may occur may be mood changes, depression, sexual problems, trouble walking, trouble speaking, or finding words. Many people diagnosed with MS usually range between the ages of 20-45, with more women than men diagnosed with this disease.

If you are experiencing these symptoms listed or believe you may have Muscular Sclerosis, you should contact your doctor. There are treatments available to help manage MS.