The most common visual issues experienced by people with MS are optic
A common visual symptom of MS is optic neuritis — inflammation of the optic (vision) nerve. Optic neuritis usually occurs in one eye and may cause aching pain with eye movement, blurred vision, dim vision or loss of color vision. For example, the color red may appear washed out or gray.
A problem with vision is one of the most common symptoms of MS, and often one of the first that people with MS notice. The symptoms can include blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), optic neuritis, involuntary rapid eye movement and occasionally, a total loss of sight.
Can an optician detect MS? Only a neurologist (a specialist in nerves and the nervous system) can make a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. But many people will start their journey with an optician, as eye problems are a common first symptom.
A common early warning sign that you may have MS is vision problems that originate in the optic nerve. So a damaged optic nerve becomes a perfect place to look for early MS. A thinner optic nerve means a more damaged optic nerve. Thicker equals healthy.
MS causes the immune system to attack nerve fibers and causes miscommunication between the brain and other parts of the body. When your optometrist detects optic nerve inflammation, that can indicate a diagnosis of MS.
Floaters are a common ocular symptom for individuals with multiple sclerosis, but MS isn't a leading cause. On their own, floaters don't usually indicate serious conditions. Eye conditions like optic neuritis can be an early warning sign of oncoming multiple sclerosis.
An episode of Optic Neuritis typically begins with eye pain, especially with eye movements. Within a few days, patients will notice blurred vision in the affected eye. Often this appears like a “thumb-print” or smudge that blurs the vision. Within a week, this may progress to darkening of part of the visual field.
Characteristics of the MS gait pattern
You may walk more slowly, with shorter steps. You may lack in confidence when you walk – leading to hesitation and stumbling. You might feel unsteady when turning or walking. You might find placing your foot on the ground difficult.
Nystagmus can be a recurrent symptom, one that comes and goes, for MS patients, but it also can become a persistent eye sign. Patients with a progressive form of MS are more likely to experience persistent visual problems, a 2013 study on visual disturbances in MS suggested.
An ophthalmologist will need to do a complete dilated exam eye exam to diagnose optic neuritis. Your ophthalmologist may notice optic nerve swelling on exam. Depending on the patient's history and presentation, more testing may need to be ordered, including a visual field exam, CT scan, MRI, and/or lumbar puncture.
Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. These movements often result in reduced vision and depth perception and can affect balance and coordination. These involuntary eye movements can occur from side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern.
True flares can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or months, per the NMSS.
MRI is particularly useful in detecting central nervous system demyelination — that is, damage of the myelin sheath in the nervous system. This makes it a powerful tool in establishing the diagnosis of MS.
How long can MS go undiagnosed? MS is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can go undetected for years. In fact, a 2021 study suggested that many people with MS experience disease symptoms several years before being officially diagnosed with the disease.
MS is an immune-mediated disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, also called the central nervous system (CNS). MS can appear at any age but most commonly manifests between the ages of 20 and 40.
The early stages of MS - and finding out if, indeed, you do have MS - can be a worrying time. The process of diagnosis can take months, in some cases years, and is often referred to as 'limboland'.
Optic neuritis is the presenting sign of MS in up to 30 percent of patients, so optometrists can play a vital role in initial diagnosis and effective treatment.
Optic neuritis is caused by damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. An episode of optic neuritis usually occurs in one eye only. It commonly causes blind spots or areas of poor vision surrounded by an area of normal vision.
Muscle spasms and stiffness: Formally called spasticity, this symptom can range from mild feelings of muscle tightness to severe and painful spasms, according to the National MS Society, and it most commonly affects the legs.
Sometimes an MRI reviewed by a radiologist can provide enough evidence to make a diagnosis. But in the case of MS, it takes a combination of the MRI with the patient's clinical symptoms, history, and neurological examination to make the diagnosis.
There are no specific tests for MS .
People with primary progressive MS (PPMS) may have progressive memory loss and mild to moderate loss of attention and focus that seems like dementia.