Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. It is a progressive disease that wears away myelin, the coating that protects nerve fibers in the spine and brain, causing worsening nerve damage over time. MS affects how the chemicals in the brain and muscles throughout the body function. Depending on the extent of nerve damage and which nerves are affected, symptoms can vary in nature and severity.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary at any given time because, according to the National Institutes of Health, MS tends to cause flare-ups that last for days, months or weeks, and then remit. Fatigue and pain are two of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, according to the National MS Society.
Other common symptoms include bladder and bowel dysfunction; tingling or numbness of the arms, legs, face or other parts of the body (usually occurring only on one side or the lower half of the body); balance, coordination and walking problems; sexual dysfunction and dizziness. Vision problems, such as double vision, blurred vision, pain with eye movement or partial to complete loss of eyesight can also occur, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Emotional changes, including severe depression, irritability, mood swings and pseudobulbar affect--characterized by episodes of uncontrollable laughter and crying--are also common.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of multiple sclerosis that occur with slightly less frequency include headaches, hearing loss, itching, swallowing difficulties and tremor. According to the National MS Society, roughly 20 percent to 25 percent of MS patients develop speech or voice problems. Some may begin to have problems producing and articulating speech, subsequently slurring their words (a condition called dysarthria). Others may experience voice changes that include hoarseness, increased nasality and breathiness and poor pitch control (dysphonia).
Spasticity--involuntary and sustained muscle spasms commonly occurring in the limbs--may also occur fairly commonly among those with MS. The condition can cause severe symptoms of pain, tightness and stiffness in the affected areas of the body.
Possible Complications
Multiple sclerosis can progress so significantly that it leads to more serious complications. Severe muscle spasms, paralysis (often in the legs), swallowing problems, osteoporosis, urinary tract infections and epilepsy can occur. MS patients may have progressive mental and cognitive declines, including problems thinking, speaking, concentrating or remembering.
Medications used long term to treat multiple sclerosis can also lead to any number of complications. According to the NIH, some people with MS may lose the ability to take care of themselves over time, requiring constant supervision by a family member or health-care professional.
