Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the spinal cord and brain (or the central nervous system). In patients with MS, the protective covering of nerves (or myelin) is mistakenly attacked by the immune system, which causes communication issues between the body and the brain. This autoimmune disease causes the gradual deterioration of nerves, and may lead to permanent nerve damage. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary from one patient to another largely depending on which nerves are affected, as well as the extent of nerve damage.

Severe multiple sclerosis may lead to a patient losing their ability to walk independently.
While MS can’t be cured, treatment may assist in managing symptoms and providing recovery from MS attacks. Common early symptoms of MS include:

1. Vision problems
A common symptom of multiple sclerosis is visual problems. Central vision is disrupted due to inflammation affecting the optic nerve. This could lead to loss of vision, double vision, or blurred vision. Problems with vision may not be noticed immediately since the process of degenerating clear vision is slow.

2. Numbness and tingling
Multiple sclerosis distresses nerves in the spinal cord and brain. This leads to conflicting signals being sent around the body. At times there are no signals sent. The result of this is numbness. Tingling and numbness are common symptoms of the illness. Numbness occurs commonly on the fingers, legs, arm, and face.

3. Spasms and pain
Long-lasting pain and muscle spasms that are involuntary are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. A National Multiple Sclerosis Society study showed that chronic pain is experienced by half the people suffering from Multiple sclerosis. Stiff joints or muscles may be experienced as well as extremely painful, uncontrollable jerking movements. Back pain is common though the most often affected area is the legs.

4. Weakness and fatigue
Unexplained weakness and fatigue affect around 80% of affected people in the early multiple sclerosis stages. Severe fatigue is experienced when the spinal column nerves deteriorate. The fatigue usually suddenly appears and could last for weeks. The legs are the weakness that is noticeable most.

5. Dizziness and balance problems
Issues with balance and coordination, as well as dizziness, reduces the mobility of a person with multiple sclerosis gait. Those suffering from multiple sclerosis tend to feel dizzy, vertigo, or lightheaded. This tends to happen when a person stands up.

6. Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Majority of people suffering from multiple sclerosis have a dysfunctional bladder. This could include difficulty in holding urine and frequent urination resulting from strong urges. People less often experience symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation.

7. Emotional decline
A common issue among those with multiple sclerosis is depression. The stress this illness causes could also lead to pseudobulbar affect, mood swings, and irritability. This could involve uncontrollable laughing and crying. Emotional disorders and depression can be challenging when coping with multiple sclerosis symptoms as well as family or relationship issues.