Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Because multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect different people in different ways, there's no way to know what MS symptoms you may experience or when they might occur. Knowing the symptoms you may experience is an important part of understanding MS and keeping track of any progression you may have. While some of your symptoms may be temporary, others may become permanent.

Some of the most common symptoms of MS are listed below. Depending on how your MS progresses over time, you may experience some of these now, at a later time, or not at all.

While the number of possible MS symptoms may be hard to deal with, keep in mind that most people with MS don't have all of these symptoms. In fact, some people have very few. Let your doctor know if you notice any new symptoms or if your old ones get more severe.

Common Symptoms of MS

Fatigue

Most people with MS experience fatigue at one time or another.

Numbness and tingling

MS may affect your sense of touch, causing you to feel numbness or tingling. Or it may affect your ability to feel hot and cold. As a result, you may feel burning sensations or sense coldness at random.

Walking, balance, and coordination problems

Damage from MS can result in poor balance or coordination. It may become difficult to maintain your balance when you walk across a room. You may also have trouble picking up small objects, or writing clearly.

Changes in vision

People with MS may develop a swelling of the optic nerve called optic neuritis, which can cause blurred vision and/or pain behind the eye.

Dizziness and vertigo

If you feel off-balance or lightheaded, you may be experiencing dizziness, a common MS symptom. Some people with MS may also experience vertigo, the sensation that they are spinning—or their surroundings are rotating around them.

Problems with concentration and memory

MS may affect your memory, slow your thought processes, or make it hard to concentrate.

Mood changes

Depression and other emotional changes are common among people with MS.

Muscle stiffness

Muscle stiffness may range from a feeling of tightness to spasms—painful, involuntary muscle contractions. Spasms often occur in the legs, but may affect your lower back muscles or the muscles surrounding your joints.

Pain

MS can cause burning pain in your arms and legs, as well as facial pain. You may also experience a brief, stabbing sensation, running from the back of the head down your spine.

Bladder/bowel problems

With MS, you may experience loss of bladder control, difficulty urinating, or the uncontrollable urge to urinate. You may also experience bowel control problems and constipation.

Sexual dysfunction

Men with MS may experience erectile dysfunction. Women with MS may experience dryness, a loss of sensitivity, painful intercourse, or an inability to reach orgasm.

Safety and efficacy of treatment with AVONEX beyond three years is not known.

Talk with your doctor to find out if AVONEX is right for you.