People with MS experience different symptoms resulting from demyelination -- the destruction of myelin (the fatty sheath that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers in the central system.) Throughout the course of the illness, an individual may experience any/all of the following symptoms, to a varying degree:
- muscle weakness in the extremities
- difficulty with coordination (impaired walking or standing may result; partial or complete paralysis is possible)
- spasticity - the involuntary increased tone of muscles leading to stiffness and spasms.
- fatigue (this may be triggered by physical activity, but may subside with rest; constant, persistent fatigue is possible)
- loss of sensation
- speech impediments
- tremor
- dizziness
- hearing loss
Learn more about MS symptoms and the treatments provided by the experts at Ohio State's MS Center by following links on the left.
