MS Fact
More than twice as many women as men have MS.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms
Not all people with relapsing multiple sclerosis experience the same symptoms. They vary from person to person. The type of relapsing multiple sclerosis symptoms you experience may depend on where the disease activity is happening. For example, disease activity in one part of the brain may cause dizziness. Similarly, disease activity in the spinal cord may cause weakness, while disease activity on the optic nerve may cause blurred vision.
The most common symptoms of MS include:
- Fatigue (feelings of tiredness)
- Muscle stiffness and spasms (spasticity)
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Vision problems
- Problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving
- Sexual issues
- Pain
- Depression or mood swings
- Weakness
While there is no way to know how long a symptom may last, or whether it will go away completely or persist, don't be discouraged. You and your health care professional can work together to develop a symptom management strategy that may help. Knowing what your symptoms are, tracking how long your symptoms last and discussing any changes in symptoms with your health care team will help tailor a plan to suit your specific needs.
Knowing what your symptoms are, tracking how long your symptoms last and discussing any changes in symptoms with your health care team will help tailor a plan to suit your specific needs.
Become a member and check out My Conversation Starter, which can help you record details about the MS symptoms you may be experiencing to bring to your health care professional.
Relapse and remission
The course of multiple sclerosis can be hard to predict. In relapsing MS, people typically have obvious periods of time when their symptoms get worse. These periods are called relapses. Your health care professional may call them "attacks," "exacerbations" or "flare-ups."
A relapse is the appearance of new symptoms or the aggravation or worsening of old ones. It lasts more than 24 hours in the absence of a fever, and is disabling in some way. MS relapses may occur without warning, and may be followed by a period of partial or complete remission.
The intensity and impact of relapses can range from mild to severe. They may even be hard to identify at times. For example, you may feel tingling in your fingers—and while you may think it's just a part of living with relapsing MS, it might actually be a mild relapse.
Relapses are not the same as symptoms. While relapses often occur suddenly, last for days or weeks, and usually get better, MS symptoms may subside completely, they come and go or they may never really go away.
In MS, remission is a period of time in which your symptoms may partially or completely subside. These periods of time may be either short or long, and may be characterized by a return to a level of health similar or equal to what you were experiencing prior to your last relapse.
Tips that may help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms
When you're living with relapsing MS, it's important to take proactive steps that may help manage some of your symptoms. This may help you feel more in control.
- Keep a detailed record of your symptoms and their duration
- Go to all scheduled appointments with your health care professional and get regular recommended diagnostic testing
- Take any medication your health care professional has prescribed in the correct dosage and frequency
- Keep physically active when able
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Stay cool
- Seek out support
When you're living with relapsing MS, it's important to take proactive steps that may help manage some of your symptoms.
When should I call someone about my multiple sclerosis symptoms?
Talk to your health care professional about when it may be important for you to call for information or help. A partial list of reasons to call may include:
- If you experience loss of vision or blurry vision
- If you have an abrupt change in bowel or bladder function
- If you think you have a urinary tract infection
- If you have feelings of depression or thoughts of hurting yourself
- Any time you are concerned about a symptom or feeling
This is not a complete list. Ask your health care professional about when you should call. Remember, you should always call any time you have questions or concerns.
Keeping track of symptoms
Keeping track of any symptoms or relapses that occur, and keeping track of how you are feeling may make it easier for you and your health care professional follow your relapsing MS and develop a strategy that can work for you. Some people find that a treatment journal or checklist can be helpful.
Become a member and check out My Conversation Starter, which can help you record details about the MS symptoms you may be experiencing to bring to your health care professional.
Have questions or concerns?
Call MS LifeLines at 1-877-447-3243 anytime, day or night. A live representative will always answer your call.
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