Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms

No two people experience identical symptoms or disease progression of MS. The impact of MS can range from episodic (sporadic) symptoms that progress to more persistent and ongoing symptoms that could last a lifetime.

You may experience symptoms similar to other, more common diseases or what could be mistaken for aging. If you notice a new or persistent symptom, it is important to identify the root cause. As the disease progresses, symptoms often become more noticeable.

Your doctor may perform a combination of physical and neurological exams, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam or a spinal tap to confirm a diagnosis. The early detection of MS allows for timely intervention and treatment to limit or slow the damage it causes.

Common Symptoms of MS

Multiple sclerosis symptoms can mimic those of other neurological or chronic pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia. A precise diagnosis is key to reducing muscle and nerve damage and to preserve mobility. If you think something else may be causing your symptoms, we recommend you get a second opinion.

During the early stages (the first three to five years), symptoms are typically nonspecific, such as changes in mood, including depression, anxiety or fatigue. Other common early signs of MS include vision changes that come and go and numbness or tingling in the limbs.

See your doctor if you experience any new, persistent or unexplained symptoms such as:

• Balance issues like dizziness or vertigo
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Chronic pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty walking or a lack of coordination
• Fatigue or unexplained tiredness
• Hearing loss
• Memory or focus problems
• Mood changes, like depression or anxiety
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
• Paralysis
• Sexual dysfunction
• Slurred speech
• Spasticity
• Vision loss (partial or complete), double vision or blurred vision
• Weakness

Any of these symptoms may instead be caused by something other than MS. The only way to know what is causing a particular symptom is to see your doctor.

If a person with MS remains untreated, they may experience more frequent relapses. Their condition will continue to worsen over time due to the progressive loss of nerve function.

If treatment begins in earlier stages, a pre-relapse state could occur (relapsing-remitting MS). In later stages, full recovery during remission periods becomes less likely (primary-progressive MS).

Monitor Your Symptoms at Home

You know your body — what is normal and what is not. It is important to stay vigilant about any ongoing, recurring or worsening symptoms. Consulting your physician when symptoms begin or worsen can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Keep a record of your symptoms, how often they occur and if they are getting better or worse with time. If something feels “off” — even if it’s only every so often — or is a change from your normal experience, schedule an appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible.