Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that damages the central nervous system and nerve fibers, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). It interferes with the brain’s ability to communicate with the body, and the nerves begin to deteriorate. In severe cases, people lose the ability to talk or walk. Symptoms often appear and reappear in the early stages of the disease. It usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can occur at any age.
Weakness and Pain
Numbness or weakness may occur in one or more limbs. The symptoms usually occur on one side of the body at a time. Sometimes, they only occur on the bottom half of the body. There may also be tingling or pain in different areas of the body. Nearly half of the people with MS experience chronic pain in some area of the body. Numbness of the face, body, arms or legs are often the first signs of MS, according to NMSS.
Lack of Coordination
There may be tremors or difficulty in the ability to walk. The weakness that accompanies MS causes people to make such movements as raising the heel on the stronger leg to make it easier to move the weaker leg or swinging the leg out to the side during walking. People may also experience a loss of balance that makes them sway when they walk.
Vision Problems
MS victims may experience a partial or complete loss of vision, the Mayo Clinic notes. The loss of vision may happen to only one eye at a time. There may be pain during eye movement. Double vision or blurry vision may also occur. Vision problems are the first symptoms for many people with MS.
Fatigue
People may become fatigued from the disease or suffer from dizziness. Symptoms of fatigue occur in most MS patients. It can significantly interfere with performing activities at work and at home. The dizziness they experience may make them feel off balance or feel that their surroundings are spinning.
Bladder and Bowel Difficulties
Bladder dysfunction is a common problem for people with MS. It may cause problems with beginning to urinate, frequency of urination and incontinence. People may also have to deal with constipation or a loss of control of their bowels.
Affected Thought Process
About half of the people with MS develop problems with cognition, or functioning of the thought process, according to NMSS. This may affect abilities to learn, remember, organize or understand language.
Relapses
Symptoms may disappear for a while, followed by periods of remission, the Mayo Clinic says. Symptoms may be triggered by a rise in body temperature, such as a fever.
