How to Spot MS Symptoms

MS symptoms can cause a wide range of problems. Some problems occur often, and some are seldom seen. The course of illness is different for each person. Even when there are no symptoms, there is progression of damage to the central nervous system over time. That's why it is important to begin multiple sclerosis treatment as soon as possible after receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Some early MS symptoms are seen more often early in the course of disease, while others show up later as the disease progresses.

Caregivers are an important source of information for people with multiple sclerosis because the caregiver may be the first to notice a new symptom or the worsening of an existing symptom. It is not uncommon for a person with multiple sclerosis to adjust to or compensate for a new symptom without realizing that they are doing so. Attentive caregivers may be the one to suggest a visit to the healthcare provider to see if a flare-up (relapse) has occurred.

Common multiple sclerosis symptoms are discussed below:

• Changes in vision
• Loss of muscle strength in arms and legs
• Change in sense of touch
• Pain
• Bladder/bowel problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Balance/coordination problems
• Fatigue
• Changes in cognitive function
• Mood changes

Changes in Vision

Patients with MS can develop Optic Neuritis. This is an inflammation of the optic nerve, the nerve that controls the eye. Over a period of days, you may develop blurred vision. Sometimes you may feel pain behind your eye, which increases when you turn your eye. After initial symptoms, there is gradual improvement, sometimes after several weeks. But recovery is not always complete.

Loss of muscle strength in arms and legs

The nervous system contains large numbers of nerve fibers that control movement - what we call motor function. Often, multiple sclerosis is active on the nerve fibers that control muscle movement. Many people with multiple sclerosis lose muscular strength in the arms and legs as the disease progresses. The loss can range from reduced dexterity (the fingers no longer work so well) to paralysis of an arm or leg. Loss of muscular strength occurs not only in the form of flare-ups or relapses (temporary attacks) but also as a gradual (progressive) process without recovery. Depending on the severity, you may need to rely on a cane, crutches, or even a wheelchair to get around.

Change in sense of touch

The vast nervous system includes many sensory nerve fibers dedicated to helping you be aware of your environment. They provide the sense of touch in your fingers, and your ability to feel cold or heat on all parts of your body. When these fibers are damaged through multiple sclerosis, your sense of touch may be replaced by feelings of numbness or tingling. Parts of your body may feel burning or cold, even though there is no heat or chill present. Symptoms can be temporary (flare-ups or relapses) or more progressive, and can occur in various parts of the body. This could be just one part of an arm or leg, in the whole lower half of the body, say below the navel, or in a collection of numb patches occurring randomly all over the body.

Pain

Multiple sclerosis can be accompanied by various kinds of pain. Damage to the sensory tracts in the spinal cord can result in burning pain in the arms and legs. Multiple sclerosis can often result in damage to the nerves of the face, a painful condition known as "trigeminal neuralgia." If multiple sclerosis has impaired your ability to walk, the extra strain in the muscles of your back and legs can become painful. Multiple sclerosis can also cause extra tension in the muscles of your arms and legs: this is known as "spasticity" and can also be painful.

Bladder/bowel problems

Many people with multiple sclerosis will develop trouble controlling the urge to urinate or will be unable to completely empty their bladder. MS can affect the nerves responsible for these organs. Less frequently, they will also experience problems with bowel control. As multiple sclerosis progresses and you develop a more sedentary lifestyle, you may also be troubled with constipation.

Sexual dysfunction

Having multiple sclerosis can lead to problems related to sexual activity, because the disease can affect the nerves responsible for sexual disfunction. Men with multiple sclerosis can find it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. In women, multiple sclerosis often causes a loss of sexual sensitivity, pain during intercourse, an inability to achieve an orgasm, or a reduction in naturally produced lubrication.

Balance/coordination problems

The part of the brain known as the cerebellum controls and corrects all our movements. Damage from MS can result in poor balance or coordination. You may, for instance, have difficulty grasping small objects, writing clearly, or keeping a steady hand. When walking across a room, you may find yourself losing your balance, as if you were intoxicated. Like most other multiple sclerosis symptoms, these problems can be temporary (during a flare-up or relapse), or they can be a permanent result of the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Fatigue

Many people with multiple sclerosis experience fatigue or tiredness. But since fatigue can be a sign of so many other diseases, too, it is not often immediately identified as being caused by multiple sclerosis. Fatigue occurs in both relapsing multiple sclerosis and in the more progressive types of the disease. It can often last for a few months during which time your energy is used up every day with just a little exertion.

Changes in cognitive function

At some point in the course of your illness with multiple sclerosis, you may notice changes in cognitive function, such as your memory and speed of thinking. You may also have difficulty concentrating, making it hard for you to focus your attention. In some patients these symptoms can occur early in the disease; in others, they can come later.

Mood changes

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.

Talk with your healthcare provider if your experience any of these symptoms to determine if treatment is appropriate.