Fact 11: MS can Cause a Wide Range of Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis can cause a wide variety of symptoms, reflecting the central nervous system’s role in controlling a diverse range of bodily functions. The specific symptoms a person experiences depend on where inflammation and damage occur within the brain and spinal cord.
Physical symptoms of MS can include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness and spasticity, pain, and problems with coordination and balance. Many people with MS also experience sexual dysfunction and bladder or bowel problems.
MS doesn’t only cause physical symptoms. Cognitive symptoms, such as problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving, are common. So too are emotional symptoms like depression and anxiety. These cognitive and emotional aspects of MS can significantly impact quality of life.
Many MS symptoms are invisible to others, which can lead to misunderstandings and lack of support. The ‘invisible’ symptoms of MS, such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties, can be as disabling, if not more so, than the more visible physical symptoms. (11)
