Symptoms

The course of MS is hard to predict. Symptoms may be constant. Or they may stop from time to time. Most people with MS have random patterns of attacks. Your doctor may call these attacks "relapses" or "exacerbations".

Attack

Any worsening of old symptoms or the appearance of a new one. It lasts for more than 24 hours in the absence of fever, and disables you in some way.

Relapses may occur without warning, and may be followed by long or short periods of complete or partial remission.

Remission

When symptoms of MS subside completely or partially for a period of time.

Not all people with MS have the same symptoms. They vary from person to person. The type(s) of MS symptoms you experience depend on where the disease activity is happening. For example:

• Disease activity in a part of the brain may cause dizziness
• Disease activity in the spinal cord may cause weakness
• 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
• Pain
• Problems with sexual function
• Depression or mood swings

Relapses can range from mild to severe and can be hard to identify. For instance, you may have tingling in your fingers. You might think it is just part of living with MS, but it could be a mild relapse.

Keep track of any symptoms or relapses that occur. Keep track of how you are feeling. This could help you and may allow your doctor to follow your disease.

If you are concerned about your symptoms in any way, you should tell your doctor. Track symptoms in your treatment journal or notebook, and make sure to note when they happened and for how long. You may have had a relapse. Use the symptom checklist the next time you speak to your doctor to help you accurately describe your symptoms.

When to call someone about your symptoms

You should ask your healthcare provider about when it is important for you to call. Some reasons to call may include:

• Loss of vision or blurry vision
• Abrupt change in bowel or bladder function
• Experiencing symptoms of urinary tract infection
• Feelings of depression or thoughts of hurting yourself
• Any time you are concerned about a symptom or feeling

This is not a complete list. Remember to check with your healthcare provider about when you should call.

Next: Diagnosing MS