Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It triggers an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers. This causes scarring and inflammation of tissues affecting communication between the brain and nerves; causing partial or complete disability. The disease has no known causes.

However, risk factors such as age, race, environment, sex, family history and certain infections increase chances of developing MS. Treatment from MS attacks primarily involves management of the symptoms to reduce its effects on the body. Severity of the symptoms of MS are equally dependent on the extent of nerve damage and the specific nerves affected by the body’s immune response. Some of the common symptoms of the disease are described below:

1. Cognitive problems
MS being a degenerative attack on the nerves, affects cognitive function in about half of the patients. Many of the cognitive issues reported in patients include memory problems, shortened attention span, difficulty staying organized, language problems and depression. Emotional imbalance such as unstable mood was also reported.

2. Vision problems
Blurred vision is a common symptom among MS patients. It occasionally starts by affecting one eye but if left unattended can digress to the other eye. If not properly attended to, the blurred vision can worsen, resulting in loss of vision.

Vision problems occur due to inflammation of the optic nerve. This causes disruption in communication between the eye and the brain. In some cases, this may be accompanied by pain in the eye when you try to look up or in different directions without moving your head.

3. Weakness or fatigue
This happens as a result of deterioration of nerves located in the spinal column. The fatigue often appears suddenly and without any stimulus. It usually takes weeks before improving. This symptom affects about 80% of patients in the early stages of MS.

4. Tingling and numbness
Both tingling and numbness occur a lot in the legs, arms, face and fingers. They are considered one of the early warning signs of MS. The tingling sensation has no known stimulus or source. It has a similar feeling to the sharp pricking sensation you get when your foot falls asleep. Numbness however occurs when nerves affected by MS in the spinal cord or the brain send the wrong signals, or completely miss to send them.

5. Pain and spasms
Pain and spasms are common in nearly half of MS patients. They manifest in the form of involuntary movements of the legs. The movements are often painful. The muscles and joints are at times stiff and painful too. In some cases, back pain was also reported.

6. Balance problems or dizziness
Lack of communication and condition between the brain and nerves often result in muscle weakness, spasms and numbness that contribute to the imbalance. This decreases movement capacity of the patient. Strained attempts at movement often result in dizziness or feeling lightheaded. This may result in one falling and causing physical injury to themselves.

7. Bladder issues
Bladder issues affect nearly 80% of patients. Symptoms include strong urges to urinate, increased frequency of urination or inability to hold in urine. Some related but less common symptoms are constipation, diarrhea or loss of bowel control.