Categories of Symptoms

Symptoms of MS fall into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

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Primary symptoms are a result of demyelination, the destruction of the nerve cells' protective myelin sheath. As the electrical impulses that control muscles and organ function are disrupted, people with MS experience weakness, tremors, tingling, numbness, loss of balance, vision impairment, paralysis, impaired thinking, neuropathic pain, and bladder or bowel problems.

Secondary symptoms result from primary symptoms. For example, paralysis can cause bedsores or pressure sores. Bladder dysfunction can cause urinary tract infections. The goal is to avoid secondary symptoms by treating primary symptoms.

Tertiary symptoms are the social, psychological, and vocational complications caused by primary and secondary symptoms. Depression is a common tertiary problem among MS patients but can also be a primary symptom.

Sometimes symptoms will seem to worsen or increase in frequency after an illness, a fever, a hot bath, exercise, or a hot day. This does not necessarily mean that the disease is worsening.