Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Quick Glance: Common Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect different neurological functions, so symptoms vary considerably between individuals.

Common multiple sclerosis symptoms include:

• Reduced or blurred vision in one eye, sometimes with pain during eye movement

• Double vision

• Numbness or tingling in the face, body, arms or legs

• Weakness affecting an arm or leg

• Muscle stiffness or spasms

• Difficulty with balance or walking

• An electric-shock-like sensation down the back when bending the neck forward (Lhermitte’s sign)

• Fatigue

• Problems with concentration, memory or information processing

• Bladder urgency, frequency or difficulty controlling urination

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

The table below explains symptoms of multiple sclerosis that should not be ignored:

These symptoms cannot diagnose MS by themselves. Other neurological conditions can cause similar changes, so persistent or unexplained symptoms require proper assessment.

Why Do Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Occur?

Multiple sclerosis symptoms occur when the immune system attacks the protective covering around nerve fibres in the central nervous system called myelin. This disrupts the normal transmission of electrical signals through the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

The symptoms depend on where this damage occurs. Involvement of the optic nerve can cause blurred or reduced vision and pain with eye movement. Damage to sensory pathways may lead to numbness, tingling or unusual sensations, while motor pathway involvement can cause weakness, stiffness or muscle spasms.

MS can also affect pathways involved in balance, coordination, bladder control and cognitive function. This may lead to unsteady walking, urinary urgency, difficulty concentrating or slower information processing.

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis generally progress gradually rather than appearing as a sudden neurological event. Sudden neurological symptoms therefore, require immediate medical assessment, particularly when they involve:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

• Sudden loss or marked reduction of vision

• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Sudden severe loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden facial weakness

• Rapidly developing weakness that makes standing or walking difficult

These symptoms may indicate a stroke or another acute neurological condition and require urgent medical assessment.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Based on Type

The main types of multiple sclerosis differ primarily in how neurological symptoms develop and change over time.

The table below summarises typical multiple sclerosis symptom patterns based on type:

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis-Specific Conditions

Certain recognised neurological manifestations can occur as part of MS and may produce more characteristic symptom patterns.

The table below summarises some important symptoms of multiple sclerosis-associated conditions:

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms in Children

Multiple sclerosis is uncommon in children, but children and teenagers can develop many of the same neurological symptoms seen in adults. Problems with concentration, coordination or school activities may make the changes more noticeable in everyday life.

Possible multiple sclerosis symptoms that may be observed in children by parents are:

• Changes in vision

• Numbness or tingling

• Muscle weakness

• Poor balance or coordination

• Tremor

• Fatigue that interferes with normal activity

• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly

Nearly all children diagnosed with MS have a relapsing-remitting pattern, with episodes of worsening symptoms followed by periods of recovery.

However, none of these symptoms confirms MS in a child. Other childhood conditions can cause similar symptoms, so unexplained neurological changes should be assessed by a specialist.

Can You Have Multiple Sclerosis Without Symptoms?

A person with multiple sclerosis may have periods when no symptoms are noticeable, particularly between relapses in relapsing-remitting MS. Symptoms can improve substantially or even appear to resolve before another episode occurs.

Sometimes, an MRI may show changes that look like those seen in MS even when a person has no typical symptoms. This is known as radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). Some people with RIS later develop MS symptoms, while others remain symptom-free.

When Can Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Become Life-Threatening?

Multiple sclerosis does not usually cause a sudden, life-threatening attack. However, sudden or severe neurological changes in someone with MS may represent serious complications.

The table below highlights symptoms that require emergency assessment:

How are Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms Diagnosed?

Multiple sclerosis cannot be diagnosed from symptoms alone. A neurologist considers the pattern and timing of neurological symptoms, together with examination findings, MRI, and other investigations, while excluding alternative causes.

The following tests and assessments may be used to diagnose symptoms of multiple sclerosis:

The symptoms and findings can have different causes, so no single symptom, MRI finding or laboratory result can confirm MS. A diagnosis requires consideration of the overall neurological picture and specialist assessment.