In multiple sclerosis, damage to the myelin in the central nervous system and to the nerve fibers themselves interferes with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord and other parts of the body. This disruption of nerve signals produces the primary symptoms of MS, which vary depending on where the damage has occurred.
Over the course of the disease, some symptoms will come and go, while others may be more lasting.
MS symptoms include:
Blurred or double vision, red-green color distortion or even blindness in one eye.
Muscle weakness in the extremities and difficulty with coordination and balance. These symptoms may affect walking or even standing.
In the worst cases, partial or complete paralysis.
Feelings such as numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles" sensations.
Pain
Speech impediments
Tremors
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and poor judgment
Depression
At this time, there are no symptoms, physical findings or laboratory tests that can, by themselves, determine if a person has MS. Since symptoms of MS can mimic many other neurological disorders, diagnosis is made my ruling out other conditions.
A history of at least two attacks separated by a period of reduced or no symptoms may be a sign of relapsing-remitting MS. Also, if the health care provider can see decreases in any functions of the central nervous system (such as abnormal reflexes), a diagnosis of MS may be suspected.
Other tests include:
A neurological exam
Eye examination
Head or spine MRI scan
Spinal tap
Cerebrospinal fluid tests, including CSF oligoclonal banding, a test to look for inflammation-related substances in the cerebrospinal fluid
Evoked potential testing in which the patient is presented with various sensory stimuli
Learn more about:
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment