Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis vary from person to person and in the same person. They may include the following:
| FatigueThis is a debilitating kind of fatigue and is one of the most common Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. It usually occurs daily and may worsen as the day progresses. It is often more severe than normal fatigue and is out of proportion to the level of activity. It is helped by rest.
Altered SensationThis includes numbness or a burning, tingling feeling in one particular area of the body. Numbness may vary from mild to severe, affecting the use or mobility of a body part. Pain is also common, including burning, stabbing or aching discomfort.
Visual problemsThese include: double vision, blurring of vision, optic neuritis involuntary rapid eye movement and very rarely, total loss of sight.
Depression and anxietyDepression and increased feelings of anxiety both occur frequently in Multiple Sclerosis. These can be a direct consequence of the disease, or as a reaction to the symptoms it causes.
WeaknessWeakness may result from muscle disuse, fatigue, or neurological paralysis. Weakness in the leg muscles may affect walking.
Bladder and bowel problemsBladder problems occurs in 80% of people with Multiple Sclerosis. Symptoms include the need to urinate frequently or urgently, hesitancy in starting urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder and emptying at inappropriate times (incontinence) including nighttime. Bowel problems may include constipation and, infrequently, bowel incontinence and diarrhea.
Balance or coordination problemsThese include loss of balance, lack of coordination, unstable walking, clumsiness of a limb, tremor, and dizziness.
Short-term memory and cognitive problemsThese may include problems with thinking, judgment, reasoning, concentration, and short-term memory.
Speech problemsSpeech problems range from minor to severe difficulties that may make it difficult to speak and be understood. These problems are common in Multiple Sclerosis and may include slowing of speech, slurring of words, and changes in rhythm of speech.
Spasticity (muscle stiffness) This is a common symptom in Multiple Sclerosis which can affect mobility. Spasticity may result in pain in and around joints, low back pain, and in the extremities- usually the legs. It may be aggravated by extremes of temperature, humidity, infections, and even tight clothing. Muscles may also experience painful involuntary spasms.
Sexuality and intimacyare common in Multiple Sclerosis. These include occasional impotence, diminished arousal and loss of sensation. Other symptoms that may cause sexual problems include: spasticity, pain, bowel and bladder incontinence, and weakness and fatigue.
Swallowing problemsDifficulty in swallowing is more frequent in advanced disease but can occur at any stage. Food may get stuck in the throat, move down the esophagus slowly, or enter the breathing passage to the lungs.
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