Symptoms and treatment of MS

No two people with MS experience the same symptoms to the same degree.
MS can cause a wide variety of symptoms, but most people with the condition only experience a small number of these.
Symptoms can come and go. They can occur at any time and may last for hours, days, weeks or months.
Some symptoms are very responsive to treatment; others are more difficult to manage.
Because of the wide range of possible symptoms, treatment is best handled by a multi-disciplinary team of specialist health professionals. This may include, for example, a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist and occupational therapist.

Visual disturbances: Eye problems can include temporary loss of vision, double vision, pain and reduction in colour vision. Optic neuritis, or inflammation of the optic nerve, is often the first symptom of MS for many people. Corticosteroids (steroids) can help to keep these symptoms under control.
Fatigue: An overwhelming sense of exhaustion and weariness is a common symptom of MS. It can be particularly difficult to cope with since it is an ‘invisible’ symptom that will not be obvious to other people. Much can be done to minimise the effects of fatigue, for example, by using time management and energy conservation techniques, by pacing tasks and alternating periods of activity with rest. An occupational therapist can advise on the best ways to manage fatigue by saving time and energy and for some people drug therapy can also be used to tackle the problem.
Bladder problems: Bladder problems include needing to go to the lavatory more often (frequency), a feeling of needing to go immediately (urgency) and incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Bowel problems: The most common bowel problem is constipation, although problems controlling bowel movements can also occur. Although both bladder and bowel problems can be distressing and embarrassing, they are usually very responsive to treatment. Specialist continence advisors can help manage these symptoms.
Pain: Pain in read more