Other Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms:
Depending on the nerves that it affects, multiple sclerosis may cause a host of other symptoms, including:
- Communication problems: MS may make it difficult to speak or cause slurred speech. It can also cause a person to have difficulty recalling words or understanding others during conversation.
- Fatigue: People with multiple sclerosis may grow tired more easily or suffer from a complete lack of energy that makes it difficult to exercise or even perform daily living tasks.
- Urinary and bowel problems: If multiple sclerosis causes damage to the nerves that control the bladder, a person may develop urinary incontinence and experience leakage, increased urination, or urinary urgency. The disease may also cause bowel incontinence.
- Sexual dysfunction: People with MS may develop decreased sensitivity in the genitals or a loss of libido. The disease can also reduce vaginal lubrication, cause erectile dysfunction or make it difficult for a person to achieve orgasm.
- Cognitive problems: multiple sclerosis may make it difficult to learn new things or recall information. Individuals with the disease may seem forgetful or struggle to complete cognitive tasks.
Symptoms Onset and Characteristics
Symptoms of MS may be continual and worsen over time, but in other people, they come and go. Episodes of symptoms are sometimes called flare-ups. They may last for a few weeks or months and then stop, marking a period of remission. Although people can be diagnosed at any age, most people begin to notice symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. Men can get multiple sclerosis, but the disease is more common in women.
When To See Your Healthcare Provider
It’s important to understand that other conditions may mimic the symptoms of MS. As a result, it’s not possible to diagnose yourself with the disease. If you’re experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms of MS, talk to your healthcare provider. They can order bloodwork and other tests like spinal taps, MRIs, and evoked potential testing to determine if MS is the cause of your symptoms. If so, they can refer you to a neurologist who can develop a treatment plan to manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
