Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) vary widely among individuals but commonly include:
- Fatigue, often severe and persistent
- Vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, eye pain, or partial loss of vision (optic neuritis)
- Numbness or tingling sensations, often in the limbs or face
- Muscle weakness, spasms, stiffness (spasticity), and cramps
- Problems with balance, dizziness, and coordination
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction, including urgency, incontinence, or constipation
- Cognitive difficulties such as problems with memory, concentration, attention, and decision-making
- Sexual dysfunction, including erectile problems in men and vaginal dryness or pain in women
- Pain, including nerve pain, muscle pain, and a sensation called the "MS hug" (tightness around the torso)
- Tremors and speech or swallowing difficulties
- Emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety
- Sensitivity to temperature changes, which can worsen symptoms
Symptoms often appear as flare-ups (relapses) and may improve or remit, but they can worsen over time
. Early signs frequently include fatigue, numbness or tingling, vision problems, weakness (especially in the legs), muscle spasms, balance problems, and bladder changes
. Because MS symptoms overlap with many other conditions, medical evaluation is essential for diagnosis
