Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Please understand that this is not a complete list of symptoms.  Every person with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has a different combination of symptoms.  Occasionally, one will have symptoms seldom seen.  This list contains the most *popular* ones.  None of the symptoms alone are usually MS.
 
 

• Weakness - can be generalized but usually confined to one or two limbs
• Optic neuritis - vision problems that include cloudy vision, loss of central or peripheral vision, pain on movement of the affected eye and blindness (usually in one eye only)
• Headache - usually migraine
• Tinnitis - ringing ears
• Pain - can be anywhere but is usually migratory
• Itching - everyone itches now and then but scratching will usually relieve normal itching
• L'hermitte's Sign - pins and needles going down the back (and sometimes into the limbs) when the chin is touched to the chest
• Paresthesias - usually numbness and/or tingling - this can occur anywhere but usually occurs in the arms and legs
• MS Hug - tightness (sometimes painful) from near the spine to the sternum - can be bilateral
• Trigeminal Neuralgia - ranges from irritating numbness and tingling along a facial nerve path to intolerable pain - MS is the only disease where this can be bilateral
• Restless leg syndrome - much like it sounds, the inability to hold still for long, often most noticeable at bedtime
• Tremor - two types - one is a constant fine tremor of one or more limbs or the head - one is gross tremor when trying to purposely use a limb
• Disrupted sleep pattern - can be caused by many of these symptoms
• Bladder problems - there are three types and must be evaluated by a urologist for correct treatment
• Bowel Problems - this can be constipation, loose stool or loss of control
• Paralysis - anywhere from being unable to use a finger or two to quadriplegia
• Cognitive Problems - include an increase in forgetfulness, loss of a word in mid conversation, loss of math skills, tripping over one's tongue, etc.
• Dementia - out of touch with reality - this is rare and seldom is the presenting problem
• Gait problems - widening the gap between the feet to maintain balance, tripping over one's own feet often, limping (usually without pain), walking distance decreases, wall walking (walking close to the wall or touching the wall to maintain balance), weakness, unable to partially or totally support weight - low back pain from walking or standing for a relatively short period of time
• Depression - not uncommon, particularly when first diagnosed and the family is adjusting to having MS - can also occur because of the placement of the lesions - difficult to tell the difference
• Lability - emotional reactions to situations inappropriate - laughing or crying most noticeable
• Muscle Spasm - almost like a *charley horse* but involves the entire muscle or group of muscles - varys from feeling tight to painful - can usually feel where the muscle attaches to the ligaments or tendons on each end
• Fatigue - this is a special type of fatigue that may build up or may suddenly appear - one feels like one MUST rest

There are other more obscure symptoms not listed here.  Should you discover a missing common symptom, please write  mscansd2@att.net .