Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune central nervous system disease that often begins between the ages of 20 and 40. The immune system attacks and destroys the protein sheath, called myelin, that surrounds nerve fibers, disrupting the transmission of messages between the nerves and the brain. Two thirds of the 400,000 MS patients in the United States are women, the Cedars-Sinai Health System states. Symptoms of MS vary from person to person, and often wax and wane, making MS a difficult disease to diagnose.
Motor Symptoms
MS affects motor function and may eventually lead to a loss of the ability to walk. Muscle symptoms include weakness, clumsiness, leg dragging, loss of balance, paralysis, heavy feeling in limbs and unusual gait. Reflexes may be hyperactive. Bowel and bladder control may be lost; impotence may occur in men. Movements may become mechanical. Uncontrollable shaking may occur in advanced cases.
Sensory Symptoms
Tingling sensations are common in MS, and may affect the legs, arms, trunk or face. Numbness may occur on one side of the body, or in just the lower half of the body, the Mayo Clinic states. Shock-like, crawling or burning sensations may be felt on the arms and legs or in response to touch. Lhermitte's sign, an electric shock sensation that travels down the spine or leg when the neck is flexed, may occur, the Merck Manual states.
Vision Symptoms
Visual symptoms are common in MS. Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, develops in 40 percent of people with MS, and causes pain, vision loss or blind spots, often only in one eye. The pupil of the eye may react abnormally to light. Double vision or blurred, hazy or foggy vision maybe present. Nystagmus, a rapid back and forth movement of the eyeball, and paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles may also occur, according to the Merck Manual.
Cognitive and Speech Symptoms
Changes in thought processes and behaviors often occur in people with MS. Mood changes range from depression to euphoria; apathy, poor concentration, memory loss and poor judgment may accompany MS. Problems with speech are caused by demyelination in the cerebellum of the brain. Speech may be slow, slurred and hesitant.
Systemic Symptoms
Profound fatigue, chronic pain and dizziness often affect people with MS. Fatigue often worsens in the afternoon.
