What are the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Question

Hello doctor,

For months, I have been experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands and legs (usually when I feel hot). I am also having vision problems, extreme fatigue, trouble with walking, and some muscle spasms. I have also been having a tightening feeling in my chest and abdominal region.

I am an 18-year-old female, and I weigh around 120 pounds. I got an MRI, and it did not indicate any lesions in the brain or the spine. Could I have multiple sclerosis? My doctor has already ruled out diabetes and Lyme disease.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

A person with MS can have almost any neurological symptom or sign. Autonomic (a component of the nervous system that regulates physiological activities such as heartbeat and breathing), visual, motor (voluntary activities), and sensory problems are most common.

The specific symptoms are determined by the locations of the lesions within the nervous system. The various symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

Loss of sensitivity or changes in sensation such as tingling.
Pins and needles or numbness.
Muscle weakness.
Very pronounced reflexes.
Muscle spasms.
Ataxia (loss of balance).
Problems with speech or swallowing.
Visual problems.
Feeling tired.
Bladder and bowel difficulties.

The most commonly used diagnostic tools are neuroimaging and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain and spine may show areas of demyelination (loss of protective cover of the neurons). The symptoms of MS may not appear all at once. Also, one may not have all of the symptoms. Kindly visit your doctor and get an MRI spine and eye test for optic neuritis.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.