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Symptoms of MS

Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person. For example, one person may experience abnormal fatigue, while another might have severe vision problems. A person with MS could have loss of balance and muscle coordination making walking difficult; another person with MS could have slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, and bladder problems. While some symptoms will come and go over the course of the disease, others may be more lasting.

Read more about the categories of symptoms or refer to the chart below for information on a specific symptom.

Most Common Symptoms

Symptom Description/Overview Management/Resources

Bladder Dysfunction

Bladder Dysfunction

Personal Care: Bladder and Bowel Problems

Bowel Dysfunction

Bowel Dysfunction

Changes in Cognitive Function

Including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving

Cognitive Function

MS and Cognition

Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness and Vertigo

Depression and other Emotional Changes

Emotional Aspects

Depression

Emotional Aspects of MS

Depression and Multiple Sclerosis

 

Fatigue

(also called MS lassitude)

Fatigue

MS and Fatigue

Difficulty in Walking

and/or Balance or Coordination Problems

Gait

Gait or Walking Problems: The Basic Facts

MS and Mobility

Abnormal Sensations

such as numbness or “pins and needles”

Numbness

Pain

Pain

MS and Pain

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexuality MS and Intimacy

Spasticity

Spasticity Controlling Spasticity in MS

Vision Problems

Visual Symptoms

Optic Neuritis

MS and Vision

Less Common Symptoms

Symptom Description/Overview Management/Resources

Headache

Headache

Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss

Itching

Itching

Seizures

Seizures

Speech and Swallowing Disorders

Speech and Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems)

Speech and Swallowing: The Basic Facts

Tremor

Tremor

Tremor: The Basic Facts

Additional resources

  • "But You Look So Good"Coping with invisible MS symptoms.
  • Exacerbation An exacerbation (also known as an attack, a relapse, or a flare) is a sudden worsening of an MS symptom or symptoms, or the appearance of new symptoms.
  • Heat/Temperature Sensitivity Many people with MS experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when exposed to hot or cold conditions.
  • Medications Commonly Used in MS Chart of chemical name, brand name, and the common usage.
Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, 4th Edition Order through Demos Publishingby Randall T. Schapiro, MD

Managing the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

, 5th Edition*

Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have—The Answers You Need by Rosalind C. Kalb

Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have—The Answers You Need

, 3rd EditionOrder through Demos Publishing*

More books on healthy living and symptom management

 

 

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