Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEarlyCommonRareFrequency and SeverityComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Multiple Sclerosis GuideWhat Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Early

Common

Rare

Frequency and Severity

Complications

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Frequently Asked Questions

Next in Multiple Sclerosis Guide

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressiveautoimmune diseasethat develops when the immune system attacks themyelin sheath(fatty coating of nerves) of nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and/or eyes. This is calleddemyelinationand it affects the transmission of electrical impulses tied to movement, breathing, thinking, and more.

The damage can lead to a variety of symptoms including fatigue, muscle weakness, vision issues, and cognitive dysfunction. There are so many possible symptoms of MS that it’s rare for two people with the disease to have the exact same ones.On top of that, in most cases, the symptoms of MS come and go (relapse and remit), and their severity can vary greatly.

Each person’s specific symptoms depend on the location and extent of demyelination.

The First Signs of MS

Early symptoms of MS will vary from person to person, but people usually experience:

Common Ongoing Symptoms of MS

While each case ofMS is unique, a particular set of symptoms is common:

Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain, is hard to imagine if you’ve never felt it. It can be compared to hitting your funny bone or the pin-prick sensation of blood rushing back into a foot that’s fallen asleep.

Verywell / Emily Roberts

Common Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms

Rare Symptoms of MS

Some people with MS aren’t aware that these uncommon symptoms are related to the disease:

Frequency and Severity of MS Symptoms

The frequency and severity of symptoms depends to some degree on the form of MS you’re diagnosed with. This includes four general types:

MS Symptoms in Men vs. WomenWomen are three times more likely to develop MS than men.However, men usually have worse symptoms and their quality of life seems to suffer more. Researchers think this is due to the fact that men do not manage their symptoms as well as women.

MS Symptoms in Men vs. Women

Women are three times more likely to develop MS than men.However, men usually have worse symptoms and their quality of life seems to suffer more. Researchers think this is due to the fact that men do not manage their symptoms as well as women.

Can Constipation Be a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis?

Some possible complications of MS include:

Not everyone will experience these. And like MS symptoms, complications can vary greatly in those who do.

Long-Term Effects of MS

If you have symptoms that could indicate MS, and especially if they come and go, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about it. EarlyMS diagnosisandtreatmenthave long-term benefits, so don’t hesitate or wait to bring up what you’re experiencing.

After your diagnosis, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know about any changes or new symptoms you experience. It’s typical for MS symptoms to get better or completely go away for a time, and then come back with new or worse symptoms.

Remember that just because MS can cause something doesn’t mean it’s always the cause. You don’t want to dismiss something as “just another MS symptom” only to have it be something else that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment.

How Multiple Sclerosis Is Diagnosed

A Word From Verywell

Looking over these lists can be overwhelming. Keep in mind that you probably won’t experience most of the potential symptoms. And while there’s no cure for MS, there are ways to manage the disease and its symptoms.

Disease modifying therapiesare drugs that slow the progression of MS and lower therisk of relapse. These, plus other medications and lifestyle changes, can help improve your symptoms and quality of life.

MS symptoms usually first appear between ages 20 and 40. However, it is possible to experience symptoms at any age.

Painful vision loss in one eye, facial paralysis or drooping, weakness or numbness that persists for a day or more, and long-lasting, severe dizziness can be early warning signs of MS. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, seek medical evaluation.

Exactly what brings about MS in certain people is unknown. However, researchers have studied certain factors that seem to play a role. These include health of the immune system, infectious diseases, genetics, and lifestyle. Other risk factors may include smoking and stress.Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of Multiple Sclerosis

Exactly what brings about MS in certain people is unknown. However, researchers have studied certain factors that seem to play a role. These include health of the immune system, infectious diseases, genetics, and lifestyle. Other risk factors may include smoking and stress.

Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of Multiple Sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, while muscular dystrophy (MD) causes certain muscles to weaken over time. MD is actually a general term for a group of genetic diseases that have various levels of severity. However, they all become worse over time as affected muscles continue to degenerate.Learn MoreMuscular Dystrophy vs. Multiple Sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, while muscular dystrophy (MD) causes certain muscles to weaken over time. MD is actually a general term for a group of genetic diseases that have various levels of severity. However, they all become worse over time as affected muscles continue to degenerate.

Learn MoreMuscular Dystrophy vs. Multiple Sclerosis

Brain fog is cognitive impairment that can negatively affect your ability to multitask, pay attention, understand conversations, and recall memories. Although brain fog affects more than half of people with MS, it can happen to anyone due to a lack of sleep, high stress, and poor diet.

Learn MoreAn Overview of Paresis

25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.Kisic-tepavcevic D, Pekmezovic T, Trajkovic G, et al.Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: A 6-year follow-up study.J Neurol Sci. 2015;358(1-2):317-23. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2015.09.023Kale N.Optic neuritis as an early sign of multiple sclerosis.Eye Brain. 2016;8:195-202. doi:10.2147/EB.S54131Serra A, Chisari CG, Matta M.Eye movement abnormalities in multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis, modeling, and treatment.Front Neurol. 2018;9:31. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00031Khare S, Seth D.Lhermitte’s sign: The current status.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2015;18(2):154-6. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.150622Motamed MR, Fereshtehnejad SM, Abbasi M, Sanei M, Abbaslou M, Meysami S.X-ray radiation and the risk of multiple sclerosis: Do the site and dose of exposure matter?.Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2014;28:145.Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux).Gaitour E, Nick ST, Roberts C, et al.Glossopharyngeal neuralgia secondary to vascular compression in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report.J Med Case Rep. 2012;6:213. Published 2012 Jul 19. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-6-213Freiha J, Riachi N, Chalah MA, Zoghaib R, Ayache SS, Ahdab R.Paroxysmal symptoms in multiple sclerosis-a review of the literature.J Clin Med. 2020;9(10):3100. doi:10.3390/jcm9103100Vidović V, Rovazdi MČ, Kraml O, Kes VB.Pseudobulbar affect in multiple sclerosis patients.Acta Clin Croat. 2015;54(2):159-163.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pain and itching.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Swallowing difficulties.Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.MS and breathing problems.Tekin M, Acar GO, Cam OH, Hanege FM.Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a multiple sclerosis case.North Clin Istanb. 2014;1(2):109-113. doi:10.14744/nci.2014.35744National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Seizures and multiple sclerosis.MedlinePlus.Multiple Sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.Who gets multiple sclerosis.Upton D, Taylor C.What are the support needs of men with multiple sclerosis, and are they being met?International Journal of MS Care. 2015;17(1):9-12. doi:10.7224%2F1537-2073.2013-044Alali D, Ballard K, Bogaardt H.Treatment effects for dysphagia in adults with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review.Dysphagia. 2016;31(5):610-618. doi:10.1007/s00455-016-9738-2Sorgun MH, Yucesan C, Tegin C.Is malnutrition a problem for multiple sclerosis patients?.J Clin Neurosci. 2014;21(9):1603-1605. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2013.12.024National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pressure sores.Koudriavtseva T.Thrombotic processes in multiple sclerosis as manifestation of innate immune activation.Front Neurol. 2014;5:119. doi:10.3389/fneur.2014.00119Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple sclerosis: Why are women more at risk?Duncan DB.How to beat brain fog. Hackensack Meridian Health.Additional ReadingZiemssen T.Symptom management in patients with multiple sclerosis.J Neurol Sci. 2011 Dec;311 Suppl 1:S48-52. doi:10.1016/S0022-510X(11)70009-0

25 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.Kisic-tepavcevic D, Pekmezovic T, Trajkovic G, et al.Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: A 6-year follow-up study.J Neurol Sci. 2015;358(1-2):317-23. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2015.09.023Kale N.Optic neuritis as an early sign of multiple sclerosis.Eye Brain. 2016;8:195-202. doi:10.2147/EB.S54131Serra A, Chisari CG, Matta M.Eye movement abnormalities in multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis, modeling, and treatment.Front Neurol. 2018;9:31. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00031Khare S, Seth D.Lhermitte’s sign: The current status.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2015;18(2):154-6. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.150622Motamed MR, Fereshtehnejad SM, Abbasi M, Sanei M, Abbaslou M, Meysami S.X-ray radiation and the risk of multiple sclerosis: Do the site and dose of exposure matter?.Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2014;28:145.Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux).Gaitour E, Nick ST, Roberts C, et al.Glossopharyngeal neuralgia secondary to vascular compression in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report.J Med Case Rep. 2012;6:213. Published 2012 Jul 19. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-6-213Freiha J, Riachi N, Chalah MA, Zoghaib R, Ayache SS, Ahdab R.Paroxysmal symptoms in multiple sclerosis-a review of the literature.J Clin Med. 2020;9(10):3100. doi:10.3390/jcm9103100Vidović V, Rovazdi MČ, Kraml O, Kes VB.Pseudobulbar affect in multiple sclerosis patients.Acta Clin Croat. 2015;54(2):159-163.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pain and itching.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Swallowing difficulties.Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.MS and breathing problems.Tekin M, Acar GO, Cam OH, Hanege FM.Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a multiple sclerosis case.North Clin Istanb. 2014;1(2):109-113. doi:10.14744/nci.2014.35744National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Seizures and multiple sclerosis.MedlinePlus.Multiple Sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.Who gets multiple sclerosis.Upton D, Taylor C.What are the support needs of men with multiple sclerosis, and are they being met?International Journal of MS Care. 2015;17(1):9-12. doi:10.7224%2F1537-2073.2013-044Alali D, Ballard K, Bogaardt H.Treatment effects for dysphagia in adults with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review.Dysphagia. 2016;31(5):610-618. doi:10.1007/s00455-016-9738-2Sorgun MH, Yucesan C, Tegin C.Is malnutrition a problem for multiple sclerosis patients?.J Clin Neurosci. 2014;21(9):1603-1605. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2013.12.024National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pressure sores.Koudriavtseva T.Thrombotic processes in multiple sclerosis as manifestation of innate immune activation.Front Neurol. 2014;5:119. doi:10.3389/fneur.2014.00119Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple sclerosis: Why are women more at risk?Duncan DB.How to beat brain fog. Hackensack Meridian Health.Additional ReadingZiemssen T.Symptom management in patients with multiple sclerosis.J Neurol Sci. 2011 Dec;311 Suppl 1:S48-52. doi:10.1016/S0022-510X(11)70009-0

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.Kisic-tepavcevic D, Pekmezovic T, Trajkovic G, et al.Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: A 6-year follow-up study.J Neurol Sci. 2015;358(1-2):317-23. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2015.09.023Kale N.Optic neuritis as an early sign of multiple sclerosis.Eye Brain. 2016;8:195-202. doi:10.2147/EB.S54131Serra A, Chisari CG, Matta M.Eye movement abnormalities in multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis, modeling, and treatment.Front Neurol. 2018;9:31. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00031Khare S, Seth D.Lhermitte’s sign: The current status.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2015;18(2):154-6. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.150622Motamed MR, Fereshtehnejad SM, Abbasi M, Sanei M, Abbaslou M, Meysami S.X-ray radiation and the risk of multiple sclerosis: Do the site and dose of exposure matter?.Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2014;28:145.Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux).Gaitour E, Nick ST, Roberts C, et al.Glossopharyngeal neuralgia secondary to vascular compression in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report.J Med Case Rep. 2012;6:213. Published 2012 Jul 19. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-6-213Freiha J, Riachi N, Chalah MA, Zoghaib R, Ayache SS, Ahdab R.Paroxysmal symptoms in multiple sclerosis-a review of the literature.J Clin Med. 2020;9(10):3100. doi:10.3390/jcm9103100Vidović V, Rovazdi MČ, Kraml O, Kes VB.Pseudobulbar affect in multiple sclerosis patients.Acta Clin Croat. 2015;54(2):159-163.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pain and itching.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Swallowing difficulties.Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.MS and breathing problems.Tekin M, Acar GO, Cam OH, Hanege FM.Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a multiple sclerosis case.North Clin Istanb. 2014;1(2):109-113. doi:10.14744/nci.2014.35744National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Seizures and multiple sclerosis.MedlinePlus.Multiple Sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.Who gets multiple sclerosis.Upton D, Taylor C.What are the support needs of men with multiple sclerosis, and are they being met?International Journal of MS Care. 2015;17(1):9-12. doi:10.7224%2F1537-2073.2013-044Alali D, Ballard K, Bogaardt H.Treatment effects for dysphagia in adults with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review.Dysphagia. 2016;31(5):610-618. doi:10.1007/s00455-016-9738-2Sorgun MH, Yucesan C, Tegin C.Is malnutrition a problem for multiple sclerosis patients?.J Clin Neurosci. 2014;21(9):1603-1605. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2013.12.024National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pressure sores.Koudriavtseva T.Thrombotic processes in multiple sclerosis as manifestation of innate immune activation.Front Neurol. 2014;5:119. doi:10.3389/fneur.2014.00119Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple sclerosis: Why are women more at risk?Duncan DB.How to beat brain fog. Hackensack Meridian Health.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.

Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.

Kisic-tepavcevic D, Pekmezovic T, Trajkovic G, et al.Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: A 6-year follow-up study.J Neurol Sci. 2015;358(1-2):317-23. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2015.09.023

Kale N.Optic neuritis as an early sign of multiple sclerosis.Eye Brain. 2016;8:195-202. doi:10.2147/EB.S54131

Serra A, Chisari CG, Matta M.Eye movement abnormalities in multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis, modeling, and treatment.Front Neurol. 2018;9:31. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00031

Khare S, Seth D.Lhermitte’s sign: The current status.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2015;18(2):154-6. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.150622

Motamed MR, Fereshtehnejad SM, Abbasi M, Sanei M, Abbaslou M, Meysami S.X-ray radiation and the risk of multiple sclerosis: Do the site and dose of exposure matter?.Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2014;28:145.

Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux).

Gaitour E, Nick ST, Roberts C, et al.Glossopharyngeal neuralgia secondary to vascular compression in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report.J Med Case Rep. 2012;6:213. Published 2012 Jul 19. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-6-213

Freiha J, Riachi N, Chalah MA, Zoghaib R, Ayache SS, Ahdab R.Paroxysmal symptoms in multiple sclerosis-a review of the literature.J Clin Med. 2020;9(10):3100. doi:10.3390/jcm9103100

Vidović V, Rovazdi MČ, Kraml O, Kes VB.Pseudobulbar affect in multiple sclerosis patients.Acta Clin Croat. 2015;54(2):159-163.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pain and itching.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Swallowing difficulties.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.MS and breathing problems.

Tekin M, Acar GO, Cam OH, Hanege FM.Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a multiple sclerosis case.North Clin Istanb. 2014;1(2):109-113. doi:10.14744/nci.2014.35744

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Seizures and multiple sclerosis.

MedlinePlus.Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.Who gets multiple sclerosis.

Upton D, Taylor C.What are the support needs of men with multiple sclerosis, and are they being met?International Journal of MS Care. 2015;17(1):9-12. doi:10.7224%2F1537-2073.2013-044

Alali D, Ballard K, Bogaardt H.Treatment effects for dysphagia in adults with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review.Dysphagia. 2016;31(5):610-618. doi:10.1007/s00455-016-9738-2

Sorgun MH, Yucesan C, Tegin C.Is malnutrition a problem for multiple sclerosis patients?.J Clin Neurosci. 2014;21(9):1603-1605. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2013.12.024

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Pressure sores.

Koudriavtseva T.Thrombotic processes in multiple sclerosis as manifestation of innate immune activation.Front Neurol. 2014;5:119. doi:10.3389/fneur.2014.00119

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple sclerosis: Why are women more at risk?

Duncan DB.How to beat brain fog. Hackensack Meridian Health.

Ziemssen T.Symptom management in patients with multiple sclerosis.J Neurol Sci. 2011 Dec;311 Suppl 1:S48-52. doi:10.1016/S0022-510X(11)70009-0

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?