MS is a disease that affects nerves in your brain and spinal cord. This can cause symptoms in many different parts of your body, including the muscles, eyes and bowels.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary from person to person and can appear suddenly or gradually. Some people have very mild symptoms for months or years, while others have severe symptoms that can make life very difficult.
Your doctor will want to rule out other health conditions that can have similar symptoms, such as a brain tumor or spinal cord injury. They’ll also check your blood tests and do a physical exam, and may order a test called an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Early signs of MS include muscle weakness or stiffness in one leg or both legs. This can make it hard to walk and can be treated with mobility aids, such as a walker or wheelchair.
Tightness and tingling in the arms or legs is also common. These are symptoms of damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves in your body. Some MS patients are able to control these symptoms with medications or physical therapy.
Vision problems are another early sign of MS. Blurred vision, eye pain, and difficulties with eye movement can be frightening and should be checked out as soon as possible.
Fatigue is a common symptom of MS, and it can be worse at night or in the late afternoon.
It can be difficult to concentrate on things during an attack of MS, which is why doctors recommend a lot of rest to help prevent relapses.
Some people get numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the arms, legs or face. These can be a normal part of getting older or they could indicate a new relapse.
Muscle spasms are another early symptom of MS, and they can happen in any part of your body, but they usually affect the leg muscles. These can be painful or mild, and can be treated with medications, such as duloxetine or gabapentin.
Tremor is an involuntary shaking of your limb or hand that can be caused by damaged nerves in your brain and spinal cord. Some MS patients have a tremor that can affect their hands and feet, while other people have a tremor in their head or neck.
Difficulty swallowing is another common symptom of MS, and can be treated with medications such as duloxetine or gabapentin.
Sexual dysfunction is common in men and women with MS, with a lower sex drive and trouble reaching orgasm.
The condition can also lead to problems with bowel function, such as constipation or frequent urges to urinate.
Dizziness and vertigo are also common with MS, especially when the disease is in its early stages.
It’s important to know that these symptoms can get worse over time, so you should tell your doctor if they get worse.
Medications that can reduce inflammation can shorten attacks and decrease their severity, but they won’t stop the disease from progressing.
