Common MS Symptoms

The most common symptom of MS is profound fatigue, but others may include:

You can find more information below about these symptoms and what treatments and actions are available to improve them. 

At Overcoming MS, we support evidence-based lifestyle changes which, over time, can help you with your MS symptoms and/or with your mental well-being. Make sure you sign up for our newsletter for the latest resources and news to help you manage the impact of your MS and your symptoms.

Walking (Gait) Difficulties

Problems with gait can be a common MS mobility issue, however here is some advice about ways to improve this.

Tingling & numbness

Abnormal sensations of numbness, pins and needles and tingling are common in MS, and are part of a group of symptoms called paraesthesia. 

Cognitive Symptoms

MS cognitive symptoms refers to problems you may have with your thinking and memory. For most people with MS, cognitive symptoms are mostly mild.

Bladder Spasms & MS

MS bladder spasms are related to urinary incontinence. MS can cause a mismatch of signals between the brain and spinal cord which can affect bladder function.

MS Vertigo

Vertigo makes you feel like you are moving and spinning – even when you are still. This can make you feel nauseous and unsteady walking and can lead to falls.

Bowel Problems

Bowel problems may be hard to talk about, but with the right information and support, you can successfully manage the symptoms with little impact on your daily life (if at all).

Sexual Problems

Sexual problems are common with the general population, as well as in people with MS. Discover treatment options to improve your sex life and wellbeing.

Hearing Problems

MS hearing loss is very rare, but it is possible. If you are experiencing hearing problems, it may be linked to your MS. This is due to the damage of the auditory nerve pathways in the brain.

Swallowing Problems

Swallowing problems when you have MS can cause anxiety, but rest assured that there are treatments available. It happens because the nerves that power the muscles are damaged by MS.

Foot Drop

Foot drop is a common MS symptom in which there is a disruption in the nerve pathways between the lower legs and the brain. Fortunately, foot drop can often be managed with various treatments.

Tremors

Tremors are a common MS symptom, often appearing alongside problems with coordination. An MS tremor is an involuntary shaking or trembling movement.

MS Hug

The MS hug can be a frightening and painful experience, but there are ways to deal with it. It can range from a mild ache to intense pain in the chest or ribs, anywhere between the waist and neck. 

Heavy legs

Weakness and fatigue are common MS symptoms and can make your legs feel heavy and uncomfortable. We explain everything you need to know including ways of helping ease this symptom.

MS & Nausea

Many people with MS experience nausea due to dizziness and vertigo or MS medications. We explain how the OMS Program can help.

MS & Anxiety

Anxiety is common and can be even more so in people that have received a diagnosis of MS. Stress and anxious feelings can affect the body’s ability to fight disease, so it’s important to learn ways of managing anxiety levels as much as possible.

MS & Memory Loss

About half of people with MS have some cognitive problems, including memory loss, often  these problems are mild and don’t interrupt your daily life. Read on to find out more and techniques to help you live with memory loss.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of MS and is an extreme form of tiredness. Read more for tips on managing it and to feel better

Depression

For people with MS, depression is the single most important factor affecting quality of life – even more so than disability or fatigue.

MS Spasticity

MS spasticity can cause any muscle in your body to feel difficult to move, tight, stiff and heavy. Find out about trigger factors and management strategies.

Vision problems

Vision problems caused by MS can vary and can be caused by lack of coordination in the eye muscle or damage to the optic nerve.