Although there are many common MS symptoms, no two people experience them the same way. This may be because the location of damage in the central nervous system affects how different people experience symptoms. Even when there are no symptoms, damage may be taking place. That's why it's important to stay on a prescription therapy if you have MS.
Vision
Optic neuritis causes visual problems in 70% of all people with MS. It may cause blurred vision or pain over a few days. After initial symptoms, there is gradual improvement, sometimes after several weeks. People with MS may experience double-vision and other visual symptoms as well.
Movement
Often, multiple sclerosis is active on the nerve fibers that control muscle movement. Many people with MS lose muscular strength in the arms and legs as the disease progresses. Damage from MS can also result in poor balance or coordination.
Sensory
People with MS may sometimes feel numbness or tingling, burning or cold in parts of the body. There can also be pain in different parts of the body, including the face. MS may cause extra strain in the back and leg muscles, or extra tension, known as "spasticity."
Bladder/Bowel
Many people with multiple sclerosis will develop trouble controlling the urge to urinate or will be unable to completely empty the bladder. They may also experience problems with bowel control or constipation.
Sexual Activity
Having multiple sclerosis can lead to problems related to sexual activity. Men with multiple sclerosis can find it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. For women, MS often causes a loss of sexual sensitivity, pain during intercourse, an inability to achieve an orgasm, or a reduction in naturally produced lubrication.
Fatigue
Many people with MS experience fatigue or tiredness. Since fatigue is a natural part of life, it can be difficult to connect with MS at first. However, fatigue from MS can often last for a few months, during which energy is used up every day with just a little exertion.
Cognition and Mood
MS can have mental function symptoms such as memory lapses and slowed thinking. People with MS may also have difficulty concentrating.
Many people with multiple sclerosis experience periods of depression. Sometimes it is linked directly to physical changes in the brain caused by multiple sclerosis. Understandably, it may also be an emotional reaction to having the illness and learning to cope with the symptoms and the challenges they represent.
If you are experiencing feelings or symptoms of depression or hopelessness, discuss them with your healthcare provider because treatment for depression is available.
More about symptoms and understanding relapses
