Early signs of MS

Signs and symptoms of MS

MS is a complex condition that affects everyone differently. Symptoms can be unpredictable and vary from person to person or can change over time.

Some common early symptoms of MS include:

• fatigue
• stumbling more than before
• pins and needles, pain or numbness in the skin
• problems with thinking and memory, including forgetting things, poor concentration or getting lost
• problems with your eyesight, including blurred or altered vision.

What to do if you notice early signs and symptoms of MS

If you’ve been experiencing MS symptoms or haven’t been feeling like yourself lately, help is available. Book an appointment to see your GP (general practitioner) as soon as you can. An early diagnosis can put you in the best possible position to treat MS and delay the condition progressing.

Your GP is your first point of contact to support you and refer you to a neurologist who can organise any further tests if they’re needed.

You can also call us on 1800 042 138 to speak to one of our MS Nurses. They can help you understand if your symptoms might be MS and navigate you to the right services.

This page has been reviewed and approved by Executive Manager Client Engagement and Wellbeing Jodi Haartsen. Jodi is a registered MS Nurse who has helped thousands of patients over her 20 years’ experience at Eastern Health MS service in Australia, in several roles including nurse educator, research nurse and nurse practitioner. Jodi is the 2022 winner of the global MS Brain Health Leader Award in the Independent Healthcare Professionals category.