Learn about Multiple sclerosis symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Multiple sclerosis

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

You can get many different symptoms from multiple sclerosis (MS).

Click on the links below to find out more.

Everyone who has MS is affected differently.

You might get only some of these symptoms or you might get most of them.
Usually you'll have just a few at a time.
You might have certain symptoms at one time and others at a different time.
Your symptoms can be mild or severe. They might be so mild that you don't notice them, especially at first.
Your symptoms can last just a day or two, or for weeks on end.

The pattern of your symptoms depends a lot on the type of MS you have (for more, see Types of multiple sclerosis).

If you have relapsing-remitting MS, your symptoms will come and go.
If you have progressive MS, you may have more symptoms and they may get better, but they probably won't go away completely.

Researchers now know that a single episode of nerve problems lasting for more than 24 hours can be a lead up to multiple sclerosis.

Source:
Miller D, Barkhof F, Montalban X, et al.
Clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis, part I: natural history, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Lancet Neurology. 2005; 4: 281-288.

¹ This is known as clinically isolated syndrome (or CIS for short). Your optic nerve might become inflamed (optic neuritis) for a short time. Or you may get inflammation of your spinal cord (transverse myelitis) or a brainstem lesion. Between 3 in 10 and 7 in 10 people who have a single episode of nerve inflammation may go on to have multiple sclerosis.

You don't have to just put up with your symptoms. A lot can be done to help you feel better, so be sure to tell your doctor if you're having any symptoms.

Sources for the information on this page:

Miller D, Barkhof F, Montalban X, et al.Clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis, part I: natural history, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis.Lancet Neurology. 2005; 4: 281-288.

This information was last updated on Jul 25, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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