Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a potentially debilitating disease in which the body's immune system destroys the protective sheath, called myelin, that covers the nerves. This causes a breakdown in communication between the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves in the rest of the body. Symptoms vary widely depending on the location of myelin damage in the nerves. Furthermore, symptoms tend to come and go, and some are benign.
Numbness
According to MayoClinic.com, numbness and weakness in one or more limbs on one or both sides of the body can occur. In the early stages of MS, benign numbness may occur in any of the extremities or in any other parts of the body, and may come and go. An MS patient may also notice transient weakness that typically worsens as the disease progresses.
Tingling
Tingling in one or more limbs can occur when the myelin sheath is damaged, according to MedlinePlus. In some cases, patients note that symptoms of tingling improve or worsen with changes in temperature.
Tremors
A patient in the early stages of MS may experience tremors, a benign symptom of the disease, states MedlinePlus. Tremors occur because the damaged myelin sheath covers motor nerves. This results in incomplete nerve signals sent from the brain to peripheral nerves in muscles, which can cause tremors in one or more limbs. Tremors may also wax and wane with the course of the disease.
