Symptoms or lab tests alone cannot verify someone has multiple sclerosis, also called MS, a progressive disease of the central nervous system. Doctors combine exams, magnetic resonance imaging, spinal fluid analysis and other techniques to reach a diagnosis. Standard measures include evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system that occur a month apart and ruling out other possibilities, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Muscle Symptoms
People with MS may experience problems moving the arms or legs, loss of balance or difficulty walking, MedlinePlus notes. Fatigue, a common symptom for MS patients, may eventually result and may interfere with abilities to function normally. Difficulty with coordination or making small movements become apparent. Numbness or tingling sensations in certain areas, muscles spasms, tremors or weakness in one or more of the arms or legs and pain may occur. Pain symptoms, including facial pain and painful muscle spasms are common in MS patients. Nearly half of patients suffer from chronic pain and more than half have had significant pain at some point, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society states. Bowel and bladder problems may include constipation, loss of bowel control, difficulty urinating, frequent urination or incontinence.
Vision Problems
Many people with MS experience vision problems as a first symptom. Eye symptoms include double vision or vision loss that often affects one eye at a time. Eye discomfort or uncontrollable rapid eye movements may occur.
Brain Function
MS can affect brain functioning that includes learning, memory and remembering information. People with MS may have difficulty organizing or planning, staying focused and using language skills. About half the people with MS have problems with cognitive function, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Sexual Dysfunction
MS patients may dismiss sexual difficulty as a problem in and of itself because sexual dysfunction occurs to many people. Sexual activity begins in the central nervous system, which MS has damaged, and runs through nerve pathways. Sexual problems may also stem from the fatigue many MS patients suffer. The problems may also arise when patients realize they may have MS, which leads to emotional changes such as depression or mood changes.
Speech and Swallowing Difficulty
Slurred speech or speech people find difficult to understand may occur and patients also have trouble chewing and swallowing. Changes in voice quality include hoarseness, poor control of pitch or nasal sounding speech. Nerve damage to the muscles in the mouth and throat can lead to coughing or choking on food.
