MS, My Symptoms, and Me

Multiple Sclerosis - many scars - is characterized by many different symptoms, and not every MSer has them all. In addition to that, many MSers have symptoms that are not necessarily caused by the MS. Whether the symptom exacerbates the MS or the MS exacerbates the symptom, MS often adds its own special twist. Let’s look at a few symptoms that, though not exclusive to MS,seem to be commonly combined with MS.

Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) has been in the news recently. TV viewers know RLS from commercials and as fodder for many comedians. I never thought it was very funny, but it is a frequent joke topic. The commercial describes discomfort and involuntary leg activity, even in sleep. A recent article, MS Patients at High Risk for Restless Leg Syndrome, says researchers in Italy believe there is a relationship between MS and RLS. Although RLS is not exclusive to MS, MSers are at significantly higher risk than the general population of developing RLS.

Fatigue
Fatigue occurs in people who don’t have MS, and it may be attributable to factors such as aging, menopause, anemia and depression. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is recognized as a debilitating condition affecting up to four million Americans. MS lassitude is distinguishable because it is particularly draining. About 80% of MSers have fatigue which is the most frequent cause of their leaving the workforce.

Temperature Sensitivity
Extreme temperatures may heighten problems causing rapid loss of control and balance. Luckily, these symptoms are generally not permanent and the problem relaxes after temperature correction.Blurry vision, known as Uhthoff's Sign, usually clears up with cooler temperatures or a cool cloth on the face and forehead. But temperature sensitivity is more than just heat. Extreme cold may cause an increase in spasticity. The temperature has to be just right.

Spasticity
Spasms are common with MS, whenmuscles tighten and make sudden movements, especially the arms or legs, difficult or uncontrollable. Here is a site dedicated to understanding spasticity regardless of the cause. It includes galleries of people who tell their stories. In this gallery, three of the presenters are MSers, Deanne, David, and Barbara.

Vision
MSers are vulnerable to the many vision impairments that lead to glasses and contacts, just like everyone else. However, it is not unusual for all types of other vision difficulties to accompany MS, from simple fuzzy focus, to Uhthoff's Sign, Diplopia or double vision, optic neuritis, and even blindness.

Are there more of these symptoms that sneak into the already crowded MS list? Probably. Jean Martin Charcot said, "Symptoms, then are in reality nothing but the cry from suffering organs." Organs in an MS body are already suffering, and maybe they are just crying out for attention.