Signs & Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the immune system and destroys the protective covering over the nerves in the body. The lack of nerve protection interrupts the messages nerves receive from the brain. Nerves ultimately deteriorate. There is no cure for MS and signs and symptoms of the condition vary widely. Women are at a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis, which tends to begin between the ages of 20 and 40.

Numbness

Numbness is one of the most common signs of multiple sclerosis, report researchers at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. MS usually begins in the lower limbs, with numbness and weakness beginning on one side of the body. Tingling sensations are felt in the extremities. In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms may come and go, with long periods of rest. As the disease progresses, the numbness spreads to other parts of the body, particularly the face and arms. Numbness may be light and fleeting at first, eventually creating problems with walking and other movements.

Reduced Vision

Shooting pain in one eye is an early sign of the onset of MS. The pain is especially apparent when the eye is moving and can cause partial or complete vision loss. Many people experience bouts of blurry or double vision. A dark spot may appear in the field of central vision. While many people experience total blindness in one eye, very few become blind in both eyes. Nystagmus, or jumping eye, is another common symptom of MS that causes the affected eye to move uncontrollably up and down or from side to side.

Uneven Gait

As the disease progresses, people with MS develop an uneven gait and have trouble with balance and coordination. Muscle weakness causes MS sufferers to drag one of their feet, lean to one side and compensate by developing other uneven gait techniques in order to remain mobile. Some people with multiple sclerosis lose feeling in their extremities so that they cannot feel the floor when their foot touches, leading to imbalance and uncoordinated movements. Fatigue is another symptom of MS that affects walking.

Bladder Control

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that close to 80 percent of MS patients develop bladder dysfunction when the nerves leading to the urinary sphincter, which controls the flow of urine, become damaged. People with MS may become incontinent and unable to control their urination or experience uncontrolled urination during sleep. Others feel the need to urinate more frequently or are unable to urinate when they feel the need to go. People with bladder control problems often overcompensate and hold their urine, which puts them at risk for urinary tract infections and kidney damage.