| Multiple Sclerosis is the most common of the | | | | also be associated with a feeling of heaviness. |
| demyelinating diseases, but the symptoms of | | | | There might also be numbness or tingling at the |
| multiple sclerosis (MS) will vary from person to | | | | ends of hands and feet. |
| person. | | | | Bladder and bowel symptoms |
| At first there may only be an isolated symptom | | | | Frequency, urgency and incontinence of urine can |
| or a combination of several. The initial onset may | | | | be of particular concern and is fairly common. On |
| only last for a short period of time and then be | | | | the other hand there may be retention of urine |
| followed by a remission. However, as the | | | | and constipation. |
| condition progresses, the following disturbances | | | | Sexual problems and symptoms |
| and multiple sclerosis symptoms become | | | | There may be partial or complete impotence. |
| apparent, depending on the areas of the brain and | | | | Lack of sensation and lack of vaginal lubrication will |
| central nervous system affected. Incidence of | | | | also cause distress. |
| multiple sclerosis, however, varies widely in | | | | Psychological and emotional symptoms |
| different geographical areas. For example it is | | | | Euphoria, when it occurs, is quite significant. |
| very low in the tropics but high in the temperate | | | | Depression is often present due to the emotional |
| zones of both the northern and southern | | | | reaction to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and |
| hemispheres. | | | | in some cases can become severe enough to |
| Visual symptoms of MS | | | | require specific treatment. |
| Involvement of the optic nerve may give rise to | | | | Communication impairment |
| blurred vision, severe pain and tenderness of | | | | Slurred speech is not uncommon and will occur if |
| either one or both eyes. Double vision and | | | | the bulbar area of the brain is affected. The |
| nystagmus (oscillatory eye movement) or | | | | speech may become slow and deliberate with |
| drooping of the eyelid may be present. In some | | | | emphasis on each syllable. |
| severe cases of multiple sclerosis, blindness in one | | | | A common picture of multiple sclerosis is |
| or both eyes has been known to occur on a | | | | therefore one of a variety of symptoms, such as |
| temporary basis. | | | | an ataxic gait (clumsiness in walking), intention |
| Motor and sensory symptoms of MS | | | | tremor, lack of coordination and loss of dexterity. |
| General weakness and 'clumsiness' in one or both | | | | The person becomes weak and easily fatigues. |
| legs in the early stages are common. This might | | | | As the condition progresses he or she will |
| be indicated, for example, by toes catching on | | | | become increasingly dependent on others. |
| irregularities on the ground causing tripping. It may | | | | |