Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
In multiple sclerosis (MS), the damage to the myelin and nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS) interfere with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body. This disruption of nerve signals produces the primary symptoms of MS, which vary depending on where the damage has occurred. Over the course of the disease, some symptoms will come and go while others may persist. Managing the symptoms of MS requires a comprehensive approach of medication, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.
Some of the most common symptoms people experience with MS include the following:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Walking (gait) and balance problems
- Bladder dysfunction
- Bowel dysfunction
- Visual changes
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pain
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Depression or other emotional changes
- Spasticity
The following symptoms can also occur in MS, but are less common:
- Speech disorders
- Swallowing problems
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Tremor
- Breathing problems
