Symptoms of MS
Multiple sclerosis can cause a wide variety of different symptoms. They may even mimic other diseases, because:
- Different parts of the brain control different neurological functions
- The spinal cord transmits impulses to and from the brain in a variety of ways
- As MS lesions can affect different parts of the brain and spinal cord, symptoms vary markedly from person to person
There is no real difference between MS symptoms in women and men. Also, two people with MS rarely have the same symptoms. Many people experience a variety of symptoms before a firm diagnosis is made. If you believe your symptoms may indicate MS, consult a doctor.
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Common MS Symptoms
The most common symptom of MS is profound fatigue, but others may include:
- Diminished vision
- Pain
- Feelings of hot or cold
- Pins and needles
- Numbness
- Sensations resembling electric shocks
- Depression
- Heightened sensation
- Weakness/tremors/dragging leg
- Gait problems
- Speech disorders
- Loss of balance/falling
- Altered hearing/taste
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.
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.
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.