10/01/2025
What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on January 3, 2025
Vision changes
Fatigue and weakness
Tingling and numbness
Pain
Dizziness and loss of balance
Bladder issues
Cognitive changes
Other symptoms
Risk factors
Contacting a doctor
FAQ
Summary
Early signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary for each person. MS onset symptoms can include vision issues, weakness, tingling, numbness, and more.
MS is a relapsing or progressive condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves of the brain and spinal cord.
Early intervention offers the best chance at preventing long-term disability. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the initial symptoms of MS and seek prompt medical attention as soon as a person has concerns.
Read on to learn more about the possible early signs and symptoms of MS. This article also looks at risk factors for MS and when to contact a doctor.
Vision changes with MS
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeTrusted Source reports that vision problems can be early symptoms of MS. Inflammation and demyelination disrupt vision when it affects the optic nerves.
Possible early vision changes include:
double vision
optic neuritis
pain when moving the eye
vision loss
Learn more about how MS can affect vision.
Fatigue and muscle weakness with MS
For many people, fatigue and muscle weakness are the main symptoms of MS. Nerve damage in the spine and brain results in long-term (chronic) fatigue. This is called primary fatigue.
Secondary fatigue can also occur as a result of other MS symptoms, such as pain or sleep problems.
Learn more about fatigue and MS.
Tingling and numbness with MS
Tingling and numbness are other common early warning signs of MS. These symptoms most often occur in the:
arms
legs
face
Tingling and numbness can be mild or severe. These symptoms can also come and go.
Learn about MS tingling patterns.
Pain with MS
Up to two-thirds of people with MS worldwide report that they experience pain with MS.
Pain relating to the early stage of MS can affectTrusted Source the:
arms
legs
trunk
face
eyes
Dizziness and loss of balance with MS
Dizziness and balance problems affect many people with MS. With early MS, dizziness can beTrusted Source constant or intermittent.
This can cause a person to:
feel off balance
fall frequently
experience near-falls or tripping
lose their balance
find it difficult to walk
Bladder issues with MS
Most people with MS experience some degree of bladder dysfunction, which can beTrusted Source an early symptom.
Bladder issues occur when lesions affect nerve signals that control the bladder and urinary function.
Symptoms typically include:
an increased need to p*e
an urgent need to p*e
difficulty starting urination
nighttime urination
urinary incontinence
difficulty emptying the bladder
Cognitive changes with MS
Cognitive (thinking) changes can be the first symptom of MS for some people.
Over half of people with MS will experience cognitive changes at some point. These can include:
difficulty finding words
memory loss
difficulty with the sp*ed of processing information
Other symptoms of MS
Symptoms of MS can be different for each person and can also develop at different times.
Some other symptoms that may occur with MS include:
headaches
hearing loss
sp*ech problems
trouble swallowing
walking difficulties
itchiness
loss of taste
Risk factors for MS
MS is an autoimmune condition that damages the CNS. The exact cause is not clear, though genetic and environmental factors likely play a role in its onset.
Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing MS include:
Age: MS most commonly appears in people between 20 and 40 yearsTrusted Source. However, it can occur at any age.
S*x: Females are two to three times more likely than males to develop MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).
Family history: A person who has a family member with MS may have a higher chance of developing it.
Infection: Several viruses may increase the risk of MS, including an atypical immune reaction to the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis.
When to contact a doctor
Anyone with early symptoms of MS should consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide the best chance of preventing disability.
Many treatments can help slow the progression of MS, and medication can help ease symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and bladder problems.
Frequently asked questions
Can multiple sclerosis make a person dizzy?
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of MS.
What kind of dizziness do doctors associate with MS?
MS can cause feelings of dizziness and vertigo. A person may feel lightheaded or as if their surroundings are spinning.
How do doctors treat dizziness in multiple sclerosis?
Doctors may recommend motion sickness medication or short-term corticosteroids to treat dizziness due to MS.
Does MS cause dizziness and nausea?
MS can cause dizziness but does not typically cause nausea. Other conditions, such as anxiety, migraine, and stomach illnesses, may cause dizziness and nausea, but people need to contact a doctor for a diagnosis.
More about MS
Learn all there is to know about MS in our dedicated hub.
Summary
The signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary widely. Early signs include vision changes, numbness and tingling, and muscle weakness. However, people may experience these symptoms at any point, although these issues may recur throughout the course of the disease.
Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 20 and 40, but they can develop at any point.
Anyone with concerns about symptoms that may indicate MS needs to talk with their doctor. A prompt diagnosis and early treatment may help reduce the likelihood of the condition progressing or causing disability.
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