Multiple sclerosis, often abbreviated MS, is a debilitating, progressive neurodegenerative disease in which the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. In some patients, the symptoms of the disease grow steadily worse over time, which is called a primary-progressive disease course. More commonly, patients follow a relapsing-remitting disease course, in which symptoms appear for a time, then disappear, only to reappear and worsen later. In both disease courses, the symptoms vary, depending on which specific nerves are affected.
Muscle Weakness
Certain symptoms, such as muscle weakness, are more likely to occur during a relapse. The weakness often occurs in the large muscle groups controlling the arms and legs, as well as the smaller muscles controlling the hands and face, explains the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Vision Problems
Vision problems are also frequent during episodes of relapse, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Many different types of symptoms affecting the eyes may occur, such as blurred vision, uncontrolled eye movements and blindness in one or both eyes, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders.
Cognitive Symptoms
Problems of mental functioning also frequently worsen during relapses. These cognitive deficits include problems with memory, poor judgment, attention and concentration, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke. Language and intellectual abilities often remain unaffected.
Bladder and Bowel Problems
Multiple sclerosis relapses are often accompanied by bladder and bowel problems, reports the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Urinary incontinence, or difficultly controlling the bladder, can be an embarrassing and troubling symptom during a relapse. Constipation is the most most common bowel problem experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis, explains National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke. However, instances of diarrhea and bowel incontinence also may occur.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke: Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs: Multiple Sclerosis Treatments for Acute Attacks Relapses
- "BioMed Central Health Services Research"; Cost of Managing an Episode of Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis in the United States; Judith A. O'Brien et al, September 2003
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: What is Multiple Sclerosis?
- Cleveland Clinic: Multiple Sclerosis: Management of Acute Attacks
