Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a medical condition where the central nervous system’s neuronal structure is destroyed through immune system-mediated processes. One of the critical processes is inflammation that causes injury to the myelinated nerves of the spinal cord and the brain resulting in diverse manifestations. Due to the involvement of the neurons, the disease does not have a cure, but symptomatic management is possible. Besides, treatment can help the progression of the disease.

MS has diverse progress patterns in different patients. Besides, the severity of the disease may vary widely. However, there are common signs that can indicate the early stages of the disease. Therefore, necessitating aggressive and careful monitoring of the disease in its early stages, which has better outcomes:

1. Balance issues
The brain processes balance input and output signals to enable a person to walk properly. The destruction of nerves that carry information about balance leads to walking difficulties. In extreme cases, a patient can sustain severe injuries following a fall. Other factors contributing to balance issues include leg numbness, muscle weakness, and muscle spasticity or stiffness.

2. Vision problems
Various vision problems present as early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The problems may affect one eye or both eyes. Medically, the problem with vision in a patient who has multiple sclerosis is called optic neuritis. Common manifestations include sudden loss of vision, pain during eye movement, diplopia or double vision, and changes in color perception. Optic neuritis is caused by optic nerve demyelination. In less severe cases, the symptoms may resolve. However, there are some cases where the condition may worsen.

3. Numbness and spasms
Irritation of demyelinated nerves may cause painful muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients. Spasms occur when muscles contract suddenly and involuntarily. In many cases, such pain associated with multiple sclerosis is termed neuropathic pain. Besides spasms, abnormal tingling sensations and numbness occur. The sensations are caused by nerve lesions and usually affect the trunk and limbs.

4. Bladder issues
Urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients manifest early during the disease progression. They range from frequent urination, sudden urge to urinate, incomplete voiding of the bladder, and nocturnal enuresis. In some cases, urinary tract infections may develop. The problems arise due to bladder spasms and hypercontractility of bladder muscles hence impaired storage.

5. Cognitive problems
Cognitive impairment is a key symptom of multiple sclerosis. It sets in early and can be noticed through keen assessment. Common manifestations include reduced attention, impaired memory, poor planning, and slow thought process. Besides, abstract reasoning and speech comprehension may occur, which can affect social relationships negatively.

Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous disease affecting the nerves; hence its management is likely to be long term. Although its progression can be halted, in some instances, the condition may relapse. In such a case, an appropriate MS treatment is necessary. Various drug innovations have been tried, hence Mayzent relapsing MS drug. Besides, other add-on therapies are paramount in the management of multiple sclerosis.