MS symptoms and signs

Problems with balance and feeling dizzy are common in MS, and can have knock-on effects on your walking.

Muscle stiffness and spasms are common MS symptoms, and are often described as 'spasticity'.

A tremor can be described as a rhythmic trembling or shaking movement that you can't control.

Speech difficulties can come and go through the day, perhaps lasting only a few minutes at a time, and may be a symptom that appears during a relapse.

Fatigue in MS is not just an ordinary tiredness, like you might get at the end of a hard day's work. People describe it as an overwhelming sense of tiredness with no obvious cause.

Bladder problems are common in MS, but there is usually something that can be done to help.

It’s very common for multiple sclerosis to cause eye problems, and many people with MS have problems with their vision at one time or another.

A lot of people with MS experience pain at some time. It varies from person to person and over time, but drug treatments and other therapies can help you cope.

The ‘MS hug’ is an MS symptom where you feel pain or tightness around the chest or stomach area. It’s not dangerous, but it can be frightening, especially if you haven’t come across it before.

At least a third of people with MS probably experience some changes in their swallowing at some time. Health care professionals might call swallowing difficulties ‘dysphagia’.

Some people with MS will never experience bowel problems, but up to 7 in 10 people with MS will get a bowel problem at some stage, either constipation or incontinence (leakage).

Problems with memory and thinking - also called 'cognitive problems' - can affect people with MS, but most people will be affected mildly.

The emotional effects of MS often go undiagnosed. This doesn't mean there aren't ways to manage them.

Hearing problems aren't a common symptom with MS. But people with MS can experience can sometimes experience problems such as tinnitus, increased sensitivity and loss of hearing.