The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, the spinal cord, and the rest of the body. The nerve cells are protected by a myelin sheath, which ensures smooth and complete signal transit. With multiple sclerosis, or MS, the myelin sheath and underlying nerve fibers are damaged, which leads to a multitude of symptoms which vary by the individual and tend to come and go. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, itching, visual disturbance, sexual difficulty, weakness, vertigo, mood swings, bowel dysfunction and memory loss. Especially early on, symptoms of MS can be vague, and therefore diagnosis is challenging and may be delayed.
Fatigue
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, fatigue occurs in 80 percent of MS sufferers and is one of the most common symptoms. For some patients, fatigue may be their only overt symptom. Fatigue is a very common health complaint, and it can have a multitude of underlying causes besides MS, such as anemia, insomnia, stress, chronic or acute infection, depression, poor nutrition, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, blood sugar abnormality, cancer, adrenal insufficiency, and heart disease, to name a mere few. The exact cause of MS-related fatigue is unknown.
Depression
Depression has many causes and contributing factors. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society states that clinical depression is more frequent among MS sufferers than in people with other chronic and disabling conditions. Depression may result from the stress of MS or be a direct consequence of nerve damage. Depression can also be a concurrent, unrelated condition.
Impaired Cognition
Cognition refers to mental processes such as learning, remembering, planning, organizing, problem-solving, and paying attention. Multiple sclerosis may impair a person's ability to concentrate, process information, remember things, make decisions, and find the appropriate words while speaking. However, general intellect, long-term memory, and reading comprehension remain intact. Cognitive dysfunction may occur with many different diseases affecting the central nervous system, although in MS it tends to be more progressive.
Vision Problems
Visual impairment may be the first sign of multiple sclerosis. The condition may cause inflammation of the optic nerve or weakness of the eye muscles, resulting in a sudden onset of double vision, blurring, darks spots in vision, or eye pain. These symptoms seldom result in total blindness, although they're certainly worrisome to a person experiencing them. Eye problems may have other etiologies besides MS.
Bladder Dysfunction
If a patient experiences repeated urinary tract infections, problems starting urine stream, frequent urination, nighttime urination, or incontinence, a health care practitioner may get caught up in treating the acute symptoms without considering an underlying cause like MS. Urinary symptoms can be managed, but it's important to have an accurate diagnosis.
