Multiple Sclerosis (MS) FAQs (cont.)

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) that appear depend on which part of the central nervous system is affected and what the job of the damaged nerve is. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.  

Symptoms include the following:

• Visual changes, including blurred, patchy or hazy vision, and loss of color perception, which may be accompanied by eye pain (Double vision may occur if the nerve pathways in charge of eye movements are affected.) 



• Fatigue, tiredness, and lack of energy 



• Numbness 



• Muscle tightness 



• Dizziness, imbalance, incoordination, and vertigo 



• Bladder and bowel dysfunction 



• Facial pain 



• Slurred speech 



• Difficulty with walking and fine motor skills



• Mood swings 



• Memory loss

People with MS may have worsening of symptoms after taking a hot shower or bath, or being outside in hot weather for prolonged periods.  

Symptoms that appear for days or weeks then disappear may be an early indication of MS.  

Symptoms can come and go, appear in various combinations, and be mild to severe at different times.  

Times when MS symptoms are active are called attacks or relapses. Times when symptoms are not present are called remissions. Most people with MS have days or weeks of relapses followed by months or years of remissions.