Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves. When this covering is destroyed, communication between the brain and other parts of the body are disturbed. Symptoms of MS can be very different among individuals, and the symptoms depend on which nerves are being affected by the disease and how extensive the damage is. MS can be difficult to accurately diagnose in its early stages because symptoms can be transient, or you may not be symptomatic at all.
Vision Problems
According to MS Active Source, an information resource for people living with MS, one of the symptoms of MS is visual problems. Up to 70 percent of patients with MS experience optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve. This can cause pain or blurred vision for several days, and after the initial symptoms, it tends to get better over several weeks. Double vision, uncoordinated eye movements, partial blindness or pain in one eye and dimmed vision may also be symptoms resulting from MS.
Bladder or Bowel Difficulties and Sexual Dysfunction
Problems with controlling the urge to urinate or feeling like the bladder is not emptied completely are common symptoms associated with MS. Constipation or bowel control difficulties are also common. These difficulties occur because the nerves that are associated with controlling bowel movements and urination are impaired. In men, impotence can occur with MS and in women, loss of vaginal sensation and pain with intercourse are common. Difficulty reaching orgasm is also seen in people living with the disease.
Muscle and Coordination Difficulties
As MS starts to progress, muscles are more affected and coordination problems start to become apparent. Symptoms can include weakness, clumsiness, tremors, stiffness and problems maintaining balance. Fatigue, which can be significant, is also a common symptom of MS. The Mayo Clinic also mentions unsteady gait, tingling in parts of the body and dizziness as common symptoms individuals with MS can encounter.
Cognitive Symptoms
Mood swings and depression can be seen in individuals with MS, which can be related to physical changes that are occurring in the brain, but may also be normal emotional reactions to being diagnosed with the illness and the difficulties that come with it. Other cognitive symptoms include memory difficulties, inattention, poor judgment, slowed thinking, lack of concentration and subtle or obvious mental impairment, according to the Merck Manual.
