Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is very complex neurological condition and MS symptoms as signs can be sensorial or visual and affect the functions of the cerebellum, which is a large portion of the brain serving to coordinate voluntary movements, posture and balance. MS patients often present with a combination of these different types of symptoms.

However, as Multiple Sclerosis is a very unpredictable disease, MS symptoms often vary from one individual to the other. Depending on the particular disease subtype, MS symptoms appear either as acute episodes or as a progressive deterioration of the neurological functions, or as a combination of both. MS relapses are usually unpredictable although they seem more frequent during spring and summer. Some common factors, such as stress and infections, can also trigger an exacerbation of the symptoms.

The most common MS symptoms and signs include:

coordination and balance problems such as a gross lack of coordination of muscle movements (called Ataxia) or difficulty in movingbladder problems (incontinence)bowel problemsmemory and cognitive difficultiesdepression and emotional symptoms such as mood swingsmuscle stiffness, weakness and spasmsacute and chronic pain

Sensory symptoms which include:

changes in sensation such as a reduced sense of touch and partial loss of sensitivity (Hypoesthesia) sensations of tingling, pricking, and numbness of the skin (Paresthesia) like the sensation of a limb being ‘asleep’ or the feeling of ‘pins and needles’

And also:

erectile dysfunction and other sexual difficultiesspeech difficulties (Dysarthria)swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia)tremors

Vision problems which can include:

a particular form of involuntary eye movement (Nystagmus) an inflammation of the optic nerve (Optic Neuritis)the simultaneous perception of two images of the same object (Double Vision)