Symptoms and Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms

Symptoms vary greatly from person to person, over time and in intensity. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can include:

Bladder problems (frequent urination, urgency)
Depression
Dizziness or vertigo
Fatigue
Impaired coordination (ataxia)
Sensory symptoms (numbness, pain)
Spasticity (muscle stiffness or spasms)
Temperature sensitivity – worsening of MS symptoms by heat
Tremors
Trouble with short-term memory and concentration
Visual symptoms (optic neuritis, association with pain and eye movement, double vision)
Weakness

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The exact cause of MS is unknown. It appears to be an autoimmune disease in which the immune system is stimulated to attack myelin in the central nervous system.

The source of the initial stimulus has not been clearly identified. In certain people who inherit a predisposition to MS, the trigger may be infections (such as viruses) or other factors in the environment. Individuals may also have a genetic predisposition for developing the disease as people with family members diagnosed with MS are at a slightly higher risk.