Physical Symptoms
These can include numbness, tingling, loss of muscle strength, paralysis, balance problems, walking difficulties, problems with co-ordination and dexterity, spasm, stiffness, and ataxia (involuntary movements and loss of co-ordination). Pain, weakness, problems with bladder and/or bowel control, speech difficulties, visual problems including optic neuritis and physical and mental tension are also possible.
Breathing provides most of our energy and tends to be poor in disabling diseases like MS. Chronic hypo-ventilation (under-breathing) is very common.
Mental Symptoms
These include difficulty with concentration and memory, too much thinking and stress.
Emotional Disturbances
These include depression, anxiety, mood swings, being brought to tears easily, frustration, anger and fear. They may be temporary, e.g. after diagnosis or an exacerbation, or more long-term.
Is MS fatigue different from tiredness?
MS fatigue is different and far worse than the tiredness that most people experience. It is a major problem for many people with MS and is difficult for others to understand. It makes mental and/or physical activity difficult and sometimes impossible.
How long do symptoms last?
Symptoms vary in severity and duration. When recovery is incomplete the nerve impulses remain interrupted leaving varying degrees of disability and weakness. Occasionally movement can return years after the attack. Most people learn to live with the problems, some continue to work and many have a reasonable quality of life managing their problems confidently and well.
Taken from Multiple Sclerosis Q / A June A Skeggs www.yoga-health-eduction.org.uk updated Oct. 2011
