The symptoms of MS varies from person to person also changes during the course of its progression based on the location of affected nerve fibre. The commonly seen symptoms are as follows:
Bladder Problems:
About 80% of people with multiple sclerosis may suffer bladder dysfunction which can be managed effectively by dietary and fluid management and also by medication.
Bowel Problems:
Due to loss of control over bowels among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) constipation is predominant. It can be manged by diet, adequate fluid intake, physical activity and medication.
Cognitive Changes:
High level brain functions such as ability to learn and remember information, organize and problem-solve and focus attention are affected in more than 50% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Depression:
A more severe form of depression is seen in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) than seen in any other chronic, disabling conditions.
Dizziness or Vertigo:
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have the sensation that they or their surroundings are spinning (vertigo).
Emotional Changes:
Emotional change may occur as a result of stresses of living with multiple sclerosis (MS) or may also be due to neurology and immune changes. Uncontrollable laughing or crying, mood swings, bouts of depression and irritability may be challenging for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families.
Fatigue:
About 80% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have inability to function at home or work.
Numbness or Tingling:
Numbness of face, body, arms and legs are the first symptom experienced by those eventually diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis (MS).
Pain:
In a clinically study it was found that about half of the patient population had chronic pain and rest with clinically significant pain at sometime.
Sexual Problem:
It is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) as they have damage in the central nervous system, as well as fatigue, spasticity and depression.
Spasticity:
The feeling of stiffness and involuntary muscle spasm can occur in limbs especially in legs.
Vision problems:
Blurred vision, poor contrast or colour vision and frightening pain over eye are the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) for many people.
Walking or Gait difficulties:
Due to fatigue, spasticity and weakness people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have difficulty in walking.
