Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause a wide range of symptoms and affect any part of the body. The symptoms are unpredictable and can vary from person to person. Some of the common signs and symptoms of MS include:

• Fatigue: Feeling fatigued is one of the most common and troublesome symptoms of MS. Its often described as an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that means it can be a struggle to carry out even the simplest activities.

• Abnormal sensations: Abnormal sensations can be a common initial symptom of MS. This often takes the form of numbness or tingling in different parts of your body, such as the arms, legs, or trunk, which typically spreads out over a few days.

• Vision problems: One of the most common early symptoms of MS are visual problems. Pain, when you move your eyes, is another red flag.

• Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness in the arms and legs, trouble with coordination, and spasticity are other symptoms of MS.

• Speech and swallowing difficulties: MS can cause problems with speech and swallowing.

• Bladder and bowel problems: MS can cause bladder and bowel problems.

• Depression: MS can cause depression.

Theres currently no single test to make a diagnosis of MS. However, there are four key features which help to secure the diagnosis. Firstly, are there typical symptoms of multiple sclerosis? Again, those are loss of vision in an eye, loss of power in an arm or leg, or sensory disturbance in an arm or leg lasting for more than 24 hours. Secondly, do you have any physical examination findings consistent with MS? Next, is the MRI of your brain or spine consistent with MS? Lastly, are the results of the spinal fluid analysis consistent with MS? Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for other diseases that share the same symptoms. If youre worried you might have early signs of MS, see a GP. The symptoms can be similar to several other conditions, so theyre not necessarily caused by MS.