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