Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms and Signs
There are over 50 signs and symptoms linked with multiple sclerosis (MS) - including numbness, depression, vision problems and fatigue. Your symptoms will vary in their duration, severity and treatment. Learn more about the MS symptoms that you may experience and how to manage them.
Problems Swallowing as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Problems with swallowing, called dysphagia, is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It includes choking, coughing, gagging and problems with the voice.
Problems with swallowing, called dysphagia, is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It includes choking, coughing, gagging and problems with the voice.
Headaches as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to experience migraines or cluster headaches than those in the general population. There are several different causes for headaches in people with MS, including: medication side effects, lesions, optic neuritis and depression.
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to experience migraines or cluster headaches than those in the general population. There are several different causes for headaches in people with MS, including: medication side effects, lesions, optic neuritis and depression.
Optic Neuritis as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Optic neuritis is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting up to half of people with MS. Also, 50 to 60 percent of people experiencing optic neuritis will go on to develop MS in the next 10 years. The main symptoms of optic neuritis are: pain when moving the eyes, absence of color in viewed objects and blurring or blank spots in the visual field.
Optic neuritis is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting up to half of people with MS. Also, 50 to 60 percent of people experiencing optic neuritis will go on to develop MS in the next 10 years. The main symptoms of optic neuritis are: pain when moving the eyes, absence of color in viewed objects and blurring or blank spots in the visual field.
Erectile Dysfunction as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Erectile dysfunction is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), experienced by up to 85% of men with MS.
Erectile dysfunction is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), experienced by up to 85% of men with MS.
Respiratory Problems in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have low respiratory function, even though they might not have noticed it or associated it with MS. Coughing, frequent sighing and shortness of breath can all be part of MS.
Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have low respiratory function, even though they might not have noticed it or associated it with MS. Coughing, frequent sighing and shortness of breath can all be part of MS.
Numbness and Tingling as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Numbness and tingling is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), known as parasthesia. This type of symptom is described as tingling, burning, prickling, itching, numbness or the feeling of “pins-and-needles.”
Numbness and tingling is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), known as parasthesia. This type of symptom is described as tingling, burning, prickling, itching, numbness or the feeling of “pins-and-needles.”
I have to get up often during the night to urinate. Is this related to my MS?
Frequent urination at night is called nocturia, which is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Frequent urination at night is called nocturia, which is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Severe Facial Pain as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic doloureux, is perhaps the most painful symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Experienced by 4% of people with MS, it is a sharp, severe pain in the lower part of the face, often brought on by chewing or touch.
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic doloureux, is perhaps the most painful symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Experienced by 4% of people with MS, it is a sharp, severe pain in the lower part of the face, often brought on by chewing or touch.
Constipation as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Constipation is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with up to 75% of people with MS experiencing it at some point. It is caused by many different things, including MS lesions and certain medications.
Constipation is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with up to 75% of people with MS experiencing it at some point. It is caused by many different things, including MS lesions and certain medications.
An In-Depth Look at IEED in Multiple Sclerosis
Involuntary emotional expression disorder (IEED), also known as pseudobulbar affect, is a symptom that affects approximately 10% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). IEED is characterized by outbursts of crying or laughter, but without corresponding emotions behind these outbursts. Learn more about IEED to make sure that you are receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Involuntary emotional expression disorder (IEED), also known as pseudobulbar affect, is a symptom that affects approximately 10% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). IEED is characterized by outbursts of crying or laughter, but without corresponding emotions behind these outbursts. Learn more about IEED to make sure that you are receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Vertigo in Multiple Sclerosis
Vertigo is a fairly common symptom of MS, occurring in about 20% of people at some point. The good news it that it is not a permanent symptom, and may not even indicate a new lesion or inflammation, as vertigo can have non-MS causes.
Vertigo is a fairly common symptom of MS, occurring in about 20% of people at some point. The good news it that it is not a permanent symptom, and may not even indicate a new lesion or inflammation, as vertigo can have non-MS causes.
BPPV as a Cause of Vertigo in Multiple Sclerosis
About 20% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience vertigo at some point. While this can be caused by an MS lesion, it is actually more likely to be caused by benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV), a condition which is largely unrelated to MS and can be treated without medications.
About 20% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience vertigo at some point. While this can be caused by an MS lesion, it is actually more likely to be caused by benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV), a condition which is largely unrelated to MS and can be treated without medications.
Dysphonia
Dysphonia is an impairment of the voice and is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysphonia is an impairment of the voice and is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Scanning Speech
Scanning speech is a speech disorder in which syllables of words are separated by pauses. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Scanning speech is a speech disorder in which syllables of words are separated by pauses. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Neuralgia
Neuralgia is sharp pain in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Neuralgia is sharp pain in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Flexor Spasms
Flexor spasms are a form of spasticity in which the legs or other limbs are pulled upward into a clenched position.
Flexor spasms are a form of spasticity in which the legs or other limbs are pulled upward into a clenched position.
Scotoma
A scotoma is an area of reduced vision or blindness. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), indicating the presence of optic neuritis.
A scotoma is an area of reduced vision or blindness. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), indicating the presence of optic neuritis.
Hemiparesis
Hemiparesis is weakness or partial paralysis on one side of the body. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Hemiparesis is weakness or partial paralysis on one side of the body. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ataxia
Ataxia is a lack of coordination and unsteadiness. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ataxia is a lack of coordination and unsteadiness. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Sensory Ataxia
Sensory ataxia is a lack of coordination caused by numbness in the feet. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Sensory ataxia is a lack of coordination caused by numbness in the feet. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Paresis
Paresis is muscle weakness or incomplete paralysis. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Paresis is muscle weakness or incomplete paralysis. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Parasthesia
Parasthesia describes an abnormal sensation that is not typically painful.
Parasthesia describes an abnormal sensation that is not typically painful.
Nocturia
Nocturia is the need to urinate frequently at night.
Nocturia is the need to urinate frequently at night.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus means involuntary, rapid repetitive movements of the eyes.
Nystagmus means involuntary, rapid repetitive movements of the eyes.
Dysphasia
Dysphasia is difficulty understanding or using language. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysphasia is difficulty understanding or using language. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Extensor Spasms
Extensor spasms are a form of spasticity in which the legs suddenly straighten into a stiff, extended position. This is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Extensor spasms are a form of spasticity in which the legs suddenly straighten into a stiff, extended position. This is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dystonia
Dystonia is impaired or disordered muscle tone, which is characterized by slow movement or an extended, sustained spasm in a group of muscles. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dystonia is impaired or disordered muscle tone, which is characterized by slow movement or an extended, sustained spasm in a group of muscles. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a speech disorder in which the pronunciation is unclear, but the meaning of what is said is normal.
Dysarthria is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a speech disorder in which the pronunciation is unclear, but the meaning of what is said is normal.
Dysdiadochokinesia
Dysdiadochokinesia is the inability to perform rapid, alternating movements. It is a common sign of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysdiadochokinesia is the inability to perform rapid, alternating movements. It is a common sign of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysesthesia
Dysesthesia is a condition in which a light touch is perceived as painful or unpleasant. It is a common sensory symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysesthesia is a condition in which a light touch is perceived as painful or unpleasant. It is a common sensory symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysmetria
Dysmetria is the inability to coordinate movements, characterized by “overshooting” or “undershooting” the intended position of the hand, arm or leg. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dysmetria is the inability to coordinate movements, characterized by “overshooting” or “undershooting” the intended position of the hand, arm or leg. It is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ageusia
Ageusia is the loss of the sense of taste and is a rare symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ageusia is the loss of the sense of taste and is a rare symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Diplopia or Double Vision
Diplopia, or "double vision" is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Diplopia, or "double vision" is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Aphasia
Aphasia is difficulty understanding the speech of other people and/or expressing oneself verbally. While people with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have trouble finding words or communicating, this is more often dysphasia, a symptom of MS which is not as severe as aphasia.
Aphasia is difficulty understanding the speech of other people and/or expressing oneself verbally. While people with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have trouble finding words or communicating, this is more often dysphasia, a symptom of MS which is not as severe as aphasia.
Loss of Proprioception
Proprioception is the sense of one's body in relation to itself and the world. Multiple sclerosis (MS) often affects a person's sense of balance by slowing down transmission of signals that regulate proprioception. This is known as Romberg's sign.
Proprioception is the sense of one's body in relation to itself and the world. Multiple sclerosis (MS) often affects a person's sense of balance by slowing down transmission of signals that regulate proprioception. This is known as Romberg's sign.
Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis - it is estimated that between 85 and 95 percent of people with MS experience MS-related fatigue at some point.
Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis - it is estimated that between 85 and 95 percent of people with MS experience MS-related fatigue at some point.
Sometimes my pupils are different sizes. What causes this?
People with MS occasionally experience a phenomenon known as afferent pupillary defect (APD), which is when one pupil dilates when it would normally constrict. This is due to inflammation of the optic nerve, or optic neuritis.
People with MS occasionally experience a phenomenon known as afferent pupillary defect (APD), which is when one pupil dilates when it would normally constrict. This is due to inflammation of the optic nerve, or optic neuritis.
Q. What causes fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis?
Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), and often the most debilitating. At its worst, it is the result of many factors combined, including the MS disease process itself, as well as side effects from medications, exacerbations of other symptoms, and lack of exercise and good nutrition. Learn more about the causes of MS fatigue.
Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), and often the most debilitating. At its worst, it is the result of many factors combined, including the MS disease process itself, as well as side effects from medications, exacerbations of other symptoms, and lack of exercise and good nutrition. Learn more about the causes of MS fatigue.
Heat Intolerance Overview
If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a good chance that you have felt negative effects from the heat in the form of increased symptoms from pseudoexacerbations. These symptoms can range from annoying to debilitating, but usually disappear quickly once you cool down. Learn more here about heat intolerance and pseudoexacerbations.
If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a good chance that you have felt negative effects from the heat in the form of increased symptoms from pseudoexacerbations. These symptoms can range from annoying to debilitating, but usually disappear quickly once you cool down. Learn more here about heat intolerance and pseudoexacerbations.
Depression Overview
Depression is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is often confusing to diagnose, as it shares many of the same symptoms with MS itself. However, if you have MS and are experiencing sadness or loss of interest in things, you need to seek help. A doctor can determine your level of depression and the appropriate treatment.
Depression is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is often confusing to diagnose, as it shares many of the same symptoms with MS itself. However, if you have MS and are experiencing sadness or loss of interest in things, you need to seek help. A doctor can determine your level of depression and the appropriate treatment.
Tremor Overview
Tremor is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It can happen when a person is trying to do something with their hands or when standing or sitting, and severity can range from barely noticeable to significantly interfering with daily tasks. Learn more about tremor as a symptom of MS.
Tremor is a very common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It can happen when a person is trying to do something with their hands or when standing or sitting, and severity can range from barely noticeable to significantly interfering with daily tasks. Learn more about tremor as a symptom of MS.
Tips for Managing the "MS Hug"
You can manage the pain and annoyance of the "MS hug" through deep breathing, medications and other techniques. Read these tips for dealing with this common MS symptom.
You can manage the pain and annoyance of the "MS hug" through deep breathing, medications and other techniques. Read these tips for dealing with this common MS symptom.
Multiple Sclerosis “Hug” or Girdle-Band Sensation
The “MS hug” or girdle-band sensation is a symptom of multiple sclerosis, resulting in a painful or tingling feeling around the torso or in one area on the abdomen or chest.
The “MS hug” or girdle-band sensation is a symptom of multiple sclerosis, resulting in a painful or tingling feeling around the torso or in one area on the abdomen or chest.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Log
Multiple sclerosis symptoms can be strange and unpredictable. By understanding your symptoms and the triggers for them you can better manage your MS.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms can be strange and unpredictable. By understanding your symptoms and the triggers for them you can better manage your MS.
MS Symptom Overview
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a wide range of symptoms and signs. From cognitive difficulties to problems controlling muscles, MS can have an effect on almost any body system. By knowing the symptoms you can more actively manage your MS.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a wide range of symptoms and signs. From cognitive difficulties to problems controlling muscles, MS can have an effect on almost any body system. By knowing the symptoms you can more actively manage your MS.
Bladder Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis
Bladder dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Problems with urination, whether it be urinary hesitancy, frequency or incontinence, should never be ignored. Learn the facts about bladder dysfunction and what to do to get relief from your symptoms.
Bladder dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Problems with urination, whether it be urinary hesitancy, frequency or incontinence, should never be ignored. Learn the facts about bladder dysfunction and what to do to get relief from your symptoms.