Although there is no current cure for MS, early detection of symptoms and medical treatment may slow down progression of the condition and help control discomfort.  Symptoms of MS may be mild or severe, of long duration or short, and may appear in various combinations, depending on the area of the nervous system affected.  Symptoms of MS depend upon the area of the central nervous system that loses myelin.

Care should be taken in interpreting the symptoms of MS, as these symptoms are present during other conditions as well.  This means that not everyone experiencing MS symptoms will be diagnosed with MS.

Some early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

• Difficulty walking or performing tasks that require coordination
• Fatigue
• Loss of sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness, prickling, tingling or "pins and needles" (especially in the leg or arm)
• Trouble with balance
• Visual disturbances

As the symptoms of MS progress, they may become more severe and include

• Blindness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Muscle spasms
• Sexual problems
• Slurred speech
• Thinking and memory problems
• Paralysis

If you have symptoms of MS such as numbness or tingling in any part of your body or if suspect that you may have MS, schedule a visit with your doctor.  Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and possibly take some tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. To learn more about how to diagnose multiple sclerosis, keep reading.