What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

Answer 1

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No one person who has multiple sclerosis has all the symptoms. The most problematic symptoms for the majority are fatigue and depression. Most people think MS is only a physical disease, but that is far from the truth. Other symptoms include problems with balance, slurred speech, pains and cramps, difficulty walking, and cognitive problems. When a person has MS the body attacks the mylin which is the protective coating on the nerves. Consequently, nerve pathways are disrupted. There are many forms of MS. In relapsing-remitting the symptoms come and go. Hence someone might experience blindness in one eye for a few weeks or months. Then the sight will return. In progressive MS the mylin is continually attacked. Hence the symptoms get worse and worse resulting in permanent damage. Muscle weakness is not the problem. The problem is that the nerves cannot conduct the message to the brain as to what to do with the muscles. Don't get the impression that everybody who has MS is severely limited since many people who have it lead normal lives. For some however it is catastrophic.

Source(s):

I have MS and I lead a perfectly normal life.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you, your answer was very informative and thorough and obviously accurate, form an MS sufferer.

I wish you well, kind regards and many thanks

Answer 2

go to www./http.multiple sclerosis.com

Answer 3

MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation (hypoesthesia), muscle weakness, abnormal muscle spasms, or difficulty to move; difficulties with coordination and balance (ataxia); problems in speech (Dysarthria) or swallowing (Dysphagia), visual problems (Nystagmus, optic neuritis, or diplopia), fatigue and acute or chronic pain syndromes, bladder and bowel difficulties, cognitive impairment, or emotional symptomatology (mainly depression).

The initial attacks are often transient, mild (or asymptomatic), and self-limited. They often do not prompt a health care visit and sometimes are only identified in retrospect once the diagnosis has been made based on further attacks. The most common initial symptoms reported are: changes in sensation in the arms, legs or face (33%), complete or partial vision loss (optic neuritis) (16%), weakness (13%), double vision (7%), unsteadiness when walking (5%), and balance problems (3%); but many rare initial symptoms have been reported such as aphasia or psychosis.[3][4] Fifteen percent of individuals have multiple symptoms when they first seek medical attention.[5] For some people the initial MS attack is preceded by infection, trauma, or strenuous physical effort.

Answer 4

This website is very helpfull and explains in some depth the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis hope you find the answer your looking for , kind regards

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webprojects2002/whitaker/symptoms_of_multiple_sclerosis.htm

Answer 5

There are a number of signs and symptoms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_sc…

Answer 6

M.S is a chrnic disorder affecting many nervous symptom functions in the body, including the brain and spinal column. Adults 20-40 usually affected;principally women. Acute Symptoms: blurred/double vision, weakness when walking, losing balance,loss of sensation and numbness in the limbs. Signs and symptons vary. Emotional upsets/nerves can mimic symptons too. If in doubt see your doctor immediately.

Source(s):

Retired registered nurse -40 years experience

Answer 7

There are many symptoms of MS depending on the site of demylenation so therefore no individual is the same. The most common initial symptom is blurred vision, eye pain. If you are concerned about it because you are reading the answers then please dont let these answers alarm you as there can be other explanations of all the symptoms. In the early stages, they are mild and MS also can be categorised into different types. Some peole may have very few symptoms from the onset, whereas others may develop symptoms which are far more progressive. Go to your GP, or suggest to whoever is worrying about having MS to go to their GP. Anxiety can have the same types of symptoms as can exhaustion. You could use a search engine which would give you a list of signs and symptoms or people could list them on yahoo answers, but really that doesnt help.

Answer 8

my nan has MS :( she find is hard to walk

Answer 9

They are numerous and they are nearly all similar to other deceases. FYI, at the beginning they tought I had brain cancer despite my double vision, fatigue, ... They need deeper exams like MRI, evocated potentials, ... then the verdict was without any doubt.

Dont presume you have MS before efficient medical results. IMHO, only then you could live happy with MS like any other deceases. When it was, lets say, official, on my side all the medical team ( neuro, family doctor, MS nurse ) and most important my wife and my 2 kids now live with MS. Lastly, you could be involved in a car accident and have the same consequences except you havent expected to be involved in a car accident. .