Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating, progressive disease caused by damage to the myelin coating of nerves in the brain, eyes and spinal cord. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is poorly understood. Symptoms often appear, disappear, and worsen again as myelin is destroyed, repaired and then destroyed again. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely, depending on the location of the affected nerve fibers. Symptoms in the upper body are common in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Vision Problems
Vision problems are a common early symptom of multiple sclerosis. The optic nerve frequently becomes inflamed early in multiple sclerosis, causing optic neuritis. In roughly fifteen percent of multiple sclerosis patients, optic neuritis is the first symptom to appear, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Optic neuritis can cause blurred vision, which may affect central vision more than peripheral vision. In other cases, one eye becomes weaker than the other, causing double vision. The stronger eye may develop uncontrollable eye movements as it attempts to compensate. Some patients also experience eye pain or discomfort. Partial blindness may also develop in one or both eyes, warns the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Muscle Problems
If nerves controlling muscles in the upper body are affected by multiple sclerosis, may symptoms may result. The muscles controlling the arms, neck and trunk may become very weak, and a patient may develop coordination problems, making it difficult to perform small, intricate movements with the hands or arms, explains Medline Plus. Additionally, numbness or tingling sensations may occur in the arms or trunk, as well as uncontrollable muscle tremors, spasms and painful cramps. Facial pain may also result from damage to the many nerves leading to the face, in addition to difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Cognitive Symptoms
Several different types of cognitive and mental symptoms may develop if the nerves in the brain are damaged by multiple sclerosis. Speech problems, such as slurred speech, frequently result, in addition to hearing loss, headache and dizziness, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports. Problems with memory, concentration, attention and poor judgment may also develop. Episodes of severe depression may occur and may alternate with episode of mania or unexplained euphoria. These symptoms often do not appear to be a reaction to the patient's surrounding or conditions, and is sometimes called the "laughing/weeping syndrome," explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
