1. Multiple Sclerosis Slideshow Pictures
2. Medical Illustrations of the MS Image Collection
3. Take the MS Quiz

Medical Author:

Fernando Dangond, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Perhaps the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is sensory disturbance, which manifests as tingling or numbness sensations, throughout the body.

Visual disturbances are also among the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis and include the following:

• Blurred or hazy vision



• Color perception alteration

Vision loss may occur because of the development of optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve). In a typical case of optic neuritis, the person with multiple sclerosis experiences ocular pain with eye movement.

Other common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include the following:

• Loss of balance and fine motor skills



• Facial pain or weakness



• Vertigo (a spinning sensation)



• Limb weakness or paralysis



• Impaired control of bladder or bowel function



• Fatigue



• Depression



• Memory loss

Individuals with advanced multiple sclerosis lose the ability to walk and may become bedridden, requiring assistance with most activities.

Must Read Articles Related to Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Medications

Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be thought of as an inflammatory process involving different areas of the central nervous system (CNS) at various points in time.learn more >>

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) FAQs Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects different parts of the central nervous system at different points in time. The central nervous system ...learn more >>

Staying Well With Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Staying healthy is important for everyone, but persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) have to pay extra attention to their health. MS symptoms and sometimes the m...learn more >>

See the Entire Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Medications Topic Guide »