Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, disabling central nervous system disease, destroys the protective sheath covering the nerves, interfering with communication between brain and body. Symptoms may range from mild to difficulty with walking, talking and other daily activities. The progress and severity of MS is considered unpredictable. Approximately 400,000 individual in the U.S. are diagnosed with MS, along with an estimated 2.5 million people worldwide, according to the National MS Society.
Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of MS, fatigue affects 80 percent of people with MS, according to the National MS Society. Fatigue impacts normal functioning at work and home. Lassitude, a type of fatigue unique to MS often occurs daily, happens even after a good night's sleep, may be aggravated by humidity and heat, worsens as the day progresses, may come on suddenly, is more debilitating than normal fatigue.
Numbness
Numbness, often one of the first signs experienced by those diagnosed with MS, may be mild or severe. The numbness may affect the face, body, arms or legs. It may interfere with daily activities such as writing, walking, eating or dressing.
Gait
Mobility among individuals with MS relates to difficulties with balance, coordination, walking and gait. These walking difficulties connect to several factors including muscle weakness, spasticity or muscle tightness, loss of balance and sensory deficits such as numbness.
Bladder Dysfunction
Around 80 percent of MS sufferers face bladder dysfunction caused by lesions that delay nervous system signals, notes the National MS Society, . Usually, bladder dysfunction, treated by fluid and diet management, catheterization and medications, is successfully managed.
Bowel Dysfunction
People living with MS may suffer from constipation or loss of bowel control caused by reduced activity, insufficient fluid intake, decreased motility--food moving through the intestines, medications or neurological issues. In addition, diarrhea and other stomach and bowel problems may occur.
Visual Difficulties
Visual difficulties, common with individuals living with MS, seldom result in total blindness. Vision problems may include optic neuritis (lesions or inflammation of optic nerves or nerve pathways), uncontrolled eye movements or double vision.
Dizziness
Individuals with MS often suffer from dizziness, lightheartedness or feel off balance, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Occasionally, they may undergo feelings of vertigo, a sensation that they or their surroundings are spinning.
