Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease in which the body's immune system destroys the protective sheathing around the nerves. The communications between the brain and the body are altered, which creates problems with speech and body movements. This process is irreversible. There is as yet no cure for MS, but it can be treated with physical therapy and medications.
Weakness and Numbness
When a person has MS, her limbs first become weak and numb. She may experience this in any one of the limbs, depending upon where the nerve fibers are affected. Usually, her legs will be affected first. Later, the upper body may start to become numb with weakness following in her arms. She may not find this debilitating at the onset of MS, but for most people, the condition worsens until, eventually, any movement of her limbs may be impossible.
Loss of Vision
The MS sufferer may experience a gradual loss of vision because of deterioration of his optic nerves. Usually, there is partial loss of sight. This may be followed by pain, or optic neuritis, when he moves his eyes. Gradually, he may lose sight in both eyes. As this happens, he may experience blurry vision or diplopia, also known as seeing double, overlapping images.
Tremors and Unsteadiness
A person with MS may begin to notice tremors in her extremities. She also may be unsteady when she walks. This occurs because the nerve endings contained in her legs and joints are being sent signals that are not appropriate because of the disease. Because the nerves are affected by the deterioration, the messages from the brain to the legs becomes confused, resulting in problems with walking and increased tremors.
Sensations With Head Movements
Shock sensations with head movements are also classic symptoms of MS. The disease continues to cause deterioration in the nerves of the muscles of the neck and head. This symptom may send electrical sensations into his body.
Pain and Tingling
Pain and tingling in different parts of the body may occur as the nerves become affected and begin to deteriorate. Many of the normal sensations of the body may become dull. They also may not occur at all, which can cause problems with control of bowel and bladder functions. Incontinence is a sign that nerves within the bladder and bowels have become affected in the lower parts of the body.
