According to the National MS Society, MS, or multiple sclerosis, is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In MS, the body’s immune system attacks myelin, which is the fatty substance around nerves that protects them. Damaged myelin distorts or interrupts nerve signals traveling to and from the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body. Some forms of MS may primarily attack the spinal cord, which may lead to a specific set of symptoms.
Leg Weakness
MS that primarily attacks the spinal cord can lead to leg weakness, states MayoClinic.com. A patient may have difficulty standing, getting out of bed or a chair, or he may have difficulty walking. This occurs because myelin in the spinal cord is damaged, and nerve signals have difficulty traveling from the legs, through the spinal cord and to the brain. Mild weakness can be compensated for with physical therapy, home exercises and assistive walking devices, such as a cane or walker. More severe cases of MS spinal cord damage may result in complete lower body paralysis, or the inability to move or detect senses in the legs.
Bladder Dysfunction
Bladder dysfunction occurs in 80 percent of people with MS, states the National MS Society. This occurs when MS attacks certain nerves in the spinal cord that control urinary functions. MS patients may experience frequency or urgency of urination, hesitancy in starting urination, frequent nighttime urination or incontinence. Left untreated, bladder dysfunction can lead to chronic urinary infections or kidney damage. Thus, early treatment with dietary and fluid management, medications and intermittent or continual catheterization may be necessary. A patient should keep in mind that fluid restriction is not necessary; instead, he must learn the proper times to drink fluids to prevent bladder dysfunction from interfering with daily activities.
Sexual Dysfunction
An MS patient may also experience difficulty with sexual function. If the spinal cord is damaged, sexual response can be directly affected. A patient may not sense genital sensation or brain arousal may not lead to genital arousal. According to the National MS society, 63 percent of MS patients reported that sexual activity declined since their diagnosis. In women, symptoms include reduced vaginal or clitoral sensation, vaginal dryness, trouble achieving orgasm and loss of libido. In men, symptoms include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, reduced sensation in the penis, difficulty achieving orgasm or ejaculation and loss of libido. Early treatment is necessary to preserve sexual function in an MS patient.
