Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

MS symptoms range from mild to severe. It depends on what part of the brain, spine, or nerves in the eyes have been affected. Problems may last for a few days or be lasting. They may also get better and then come back months to years after they start. Some people may have problems that get better and then have lasting harm that is found during an exam.

Central Nervous System

The most common problems are:

Numbness or tingling in the legs, arms, or face
Problems seeing in one or both eyes:
- Blurred eyesight
- Seeing double
- Loss of sight
- Changes in how you see colors
- Eye pain
Feeling tired
Lightheadedness
Muscle stiffness and spasms
Muscle weakness
Poor coordination or falling
Trouble walking or keeping your balance
Not being able to move one or more limbs
Bladder problems:
- Urgency
- Hesitancy
- Incomplete emptying
- Incontinence
Constipation or, less commonly, incontinence
Sexual problems
Forgetting things, confusion
Problems with focus or solving problems
Depression

Less common symptoms are:

Slurred speech
Problems swallowing
Mental health problems
An overly excited mood or emotions that don't match a situation
Headache
Seizures
Tremor
Breathing problems
Itching

Things that may trigger or worsen symptoms are:

Internal or external heat:
- Hot weather
- Hot baths or showers
- Fever
Too much exercise or movement
Infection

References:

Minden SL, Feinstein A, et al. Evidence-based guideline: assessment and management of psychiatric disorders in individuals with MS: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2014 Jan 14;82(2):174-181.

Multiple sclerosis (MS). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Updated March 4, 2016. Accessed October 6, 2016.

NINDS multiple sclerosis information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated November 19, 2015. Accessed September 13, 2016.

What is MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 13, 2016.

Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated 9/26/2018

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