Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by your own immune system's gradual destruction of your nerves' protective covering. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition most frequently strikes women and is most common in people aged 20 to 40. Symptoms vary in accordance with the nerves that are affected and may mimic symptoms of other conditions.
Vision Problems
Double vision, blurry vision, complete or partial loss of vision and painful eye movements (optic neuritis) are among the vision disturbances that may be caused by MS. They may also be the result of cataracts, glaucoma, amenorrhea (halt in menstruation), bone cancer, brain cancer, food poisoning, atherosclerosis, migraine headaches, diabetes, stroke, roundworms, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), TIA (transient ischemic attacks), myeloproliferative disorders (slow-growing blood cancers) and the varicella zoster virus (shingles and chickenpox virus).
Motor Disturbances
Tremors, abnormal gait, muscle spasms and motor disturbances are characteristic symptoms of MS. Tremors may also be caused by viral encephalitis, dementia, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism or Parkinson's disease. Abnormal gait could also be attributed to TIA, Parkinson's disease or muscular dystrophy. Muscle spasms may be caused by seizure disorders, insect stings or bites, diverticular disease or hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of the parathyroid glands). Other motor disturbances could be caused by food poisoning, Lyme disease, dementia, brain cancer or Alzheimer's disease.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom of many different conditions. This includes anemia, bone cancer, allergic rhinitis, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, atherosclerosis, Crohn's disease, cirrhosis, bronchitis, colorectal cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congestive heart failure, fibromyalgia, erythema, endocarditis, depression, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), heat exhaustion, viral hepatitis, insomnia, parasites, hypoglycemia, leukemia, influenza, migraine headaches, Lyme disease, osteomyelitis, pericarditis, mononucleosis, myeloproliferative disorders, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), varicella zoster virus, sinusitis, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea and tuberculosis.
Weakness/Numbness
One or more of your limbs may become markedly weak or numb, usually only on one side of the body. Diabetes, frostbite, endocarditis, carpal tunnel syndrome, hypoparathyroidism, food poisoning, migraines, stroke, TIA, Raynaud's phenomenon and Lyme disease may also present this symptom.
Pain and Tingling
MS may cause paresthesia (tingling) or pain in specific areas of your body. Pain may also be caused by glaucoma, cellulitis, frostbite, tendonitis, stroke, ulcerative colitis, disorders of the nail, photodermatitis, warts, varicella zoster virus or wounds. Paresthesia may be caused by stroke, hyperkalemia, fibromyalgia or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Incontinence and Mood Problems
MS often involves incontinence issues, including increased frequency and constipation. Other conditions that could explain these symptoms include Alzheimer's disease, menopause, benign prostatic hyperplasia, diverticular disease, appendicitis, prostate cancer and urinary tract infection. MS is also characterized by mood swings, depression and the inability to control emotions. These symptoms could be related to anorexia, Crohn's disease, bulimia, Alzheimer's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, hypoglycemia, atherosclerosis, sexual dysfunction, hypochondriasis, sleep apnea, seizure disorders, premenstrual syndrome and tension headaches.
Considerations
If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. There are many medical conditions that may present with similar symptoms. Only your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial in determining the proper course of treatment.
