Symptoms
Overview
| Diagnosis | Symptoms
| Treatment
The symptoms that MS patients experience depend on the
area of the brain or spinal cord affected. The symptoms
involve various portions of the nervous system and occur
over a period of time. Demyelination in the nerve pathways
that send messages to the muscles causes problems with movement
(motor symptoms), while demyelination along the nerve pathways
that carry sensations to the brain causes disturbances in
sensation (sensory symptoms). The most common early symptoms
are tingling, numbness, loss of balance, weakness, blurred
or double vision. The less common symptoms may include slurred
speech, sudden onset of paralysis or incoordination.
Some patients may notice that symptoms worsen or increase
in frequency after an illness (such as a cold), a fever,
hot bath, exercise or time spent outside on a hot day. Any
symptoms related to rise in body heat might not necessarily
mean that your MS is worsening. If you notice a symptom
that is not affiliated with any rise in body temperature
and last longer than 24 hours, you should notify your doctor.
Multiple sclerosis follows a varied and unpredictable course.
In many people, the disease starts with a single symptom,
followed by months or even years without any further symptoms.
In others, the symptoms become worse within weeks or months.
It is important to understand that although a wide range
of symptoms can occur, a given individual may experience
only some of the symptoms and never have others. Some symptoms
may occur once, resolve, and never return. Since MS is such
an individual disease, it is not helpful to compare yourself
with other MS patients.
|
Common Symptoms |
|
Sensory Symptoms
(changes in sensation) |
Motor Symptoms
(changes in muscle function) |
Other Symptoms |
 |
Numbness
Tingling
Other abnormal sensations
(“pins & needles,” pain)
Visual disturbances
Sexual disturbances
Dizziness |
Weakness
Difficulty walking
Tremor
Bowel/Bladder problems
Poor coordination
Stiffness |
Heat sensitivity
Fatigue
Emotional changes
Cognitive changes |
|
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