A Broad Spectrum of MS Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis is a tricky disease with symptoms that are often attributed to other health problems, often for years, before an accurate diagnosis of MS is assessed. Some people have been ridiculed by doctors for having symptoms that are really “all in their head” while others have battled diagnosis after diagnosis, not coming up with any answers that explain their health problems.

Once a diagnosis of MS is made, it suddenly all makes sense to many people who have been wandering for years in search of an answer. The main reason why MS is so often misdiagnosed is that there are at least fifty or more symptoms that are attributed to the disease and not everyone will have all of them.

Typical Symptoms of MS

One of the first symptoms of MS that present itself usually is weakness. It can develop slowly, over a long time period but it can also pop up suddenly with no warning. These sudden weaknesses are sometimes misdiagnosed as a stroke, especially if the weakness occurs in an arm, leg or even facial muscles.

Sensory issues can occur as a symptom of MS. Some people think that they have a pinched nerve or something because of the prickly sensation as if a body part has just woken up from a sleep. Numbness is also a problem as well as muscle spasms, which can affect your walking or lifting something.

Your vision may become distorted with MS. The optic nerve sometimes may develop some inflammation which reduces your vision such as losing the ability to see certain colors to a major sensitivity issue to light sources. Many people may experience vision problems when their body temperatures rise such as through strenuous physical activity.

Fatigue and general malaise is a frequent issue with MS sufferers and there are some factors which may exacerbate the issue. Heat, for instance, saps the strength out of the most able bodied of people. With an MS sufferer, the heat kicks off some chemicals in the nervous system which affects energy levels and gives an overwhelming tired feeling.

Balance is an issue for many people with MS which in turn affects coordination. You might feel as if you were drunk when walking or woozy as if your feet and head were not your own. Pain is a factor of MS due to the irritation around the nerve areas where the protective sheath is worn down. While a problem, this pain is treatable and can learn to be tolerated.

Cognitive functions can become impaired and are often in the guise of absentmindedness or forgetfulness. It may take longer to process information and short term memory may come and go. Depression is often a by-product of an MS diagnosis and can be treated with counseling and even medication if necessary.

Bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, speech issues and bowel incontinence are just a few more symptoms of the disease MS. Each one is treatable to a certain degree and may come and go, depending on the progress of your disease.