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Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary
from person to person and from time to time in the same
person. For example, one person may experience abnormal
fatigue, while another might have severe vision
problems. A person with MS could have loss of balance
and muscle coordination making walking difficult;
another person with MS could have slurred speech,
tremors, stiffness, and bladder problems. While some
symptoms will come and go over the course of the
disease, others may be more lasting.
Read more about the
categories of symptoms or refer to the chart below
for information on a specific symptom.
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Most Common Symptoms
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Symptom |
Description/Overview
|
Management/Resources |
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Bladder Dysfunction |
Bladder Dysfunction |
Personal Care: Bladder and Bowel
Problems
|
|
Bowel Dysfunction |
Bowel Dysfunction |
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Changes in Cognitive Function,
including problems with memory,
attention, and problem-solving |
Cognitive Function
|
MS and Cognition |
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Dizziness and Vertigo |
Dizziness and Vertigo |
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Depression and other
Emotional Changes |
Emotional Aspects
Depression
|
Emotional Aspects of MS
Depression and Multiple Sclerosis
|
|
Fatigue (also called MS
lassitude) |
Fatigue
|
MS and Fatigue |
|
Difficulty in Walking
and/or Balance or Coordination Problems |
Gait
|
Gait or Walking Problems: The Basic
Facts
MS and Mobility
|
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Abnormal sensations such as
Numbness or “pins and needles” |
Numbness |
|
Pain |
Pain
|
MS and Pain |
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Sexual Dysfunction |
Sexuality |
MS and Intimacy |
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Spasticity |
Spasticity |
Controlling Spasticity in MS |
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Vision Problems |
Visual Symptoms
Optic Neuritis
|
MS and Vision |
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Less Common Symptoms
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|
Symptom |
Description/Overview |
Management/Resources |
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Headache |
Headache |
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Hearing Loss |
Hearing Loss |
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Itching |
Itching |
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Seizures |
Seizures |
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Speech and Swallowing Disorders |
Speech and Swallowing Disorders
Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems)
|
Speech and Swallowing: The Basic Facts |
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Tremor |
Tremor
|
Tremor: The Basic Facts |
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Additional resources
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"But You Look So Good"
Coping with invisible MS symptoms
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Exacerbation
An exacerbation (also known as an attack, a relapse,
or a flare) is a sudden worsening of an MS symptom
or symptoms, or the appearance of new symptoms
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Heat/Temperature Sensitivity
Many people with MS experience a temporary worsening
of their symptoms when exposed to hot or cold
conditions
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Medications Commonly Used in MS
Chart of chemical name, brand name, and the common
usage
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