Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as “MS,” is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, particularly the transmission of information within the brain as well as between the brain and the body. In people with MS, their immune system attacks the nerve fibers and myelin (the fatty substance that acts as their buffer).  Damage to the nerve fibers and consequent formation of scar tissue disrupts the flow of nerve impulses across the body. This produces a wide range of signs and symptoms, the most common of which are listed here.

1. Numbness and Tingling

Among the first symptoms to appear in individuals who are eventually diagnosed with MS are numbness and tingling, usually in the limbs, on the face, and, less frequently, other parts of the body as well. The sensation is often described as “pins and needles,” the discomfort of which may range from mild to seriously incapacitating. In cases where these symptoms are severe, individuals may face difficulty in performing routine tasks like walking, writing, chewing, dressing, holding or moving objects, and so on. Though there is no medication for curing the numbness and tingling, some corticosteroids may be prescribed to restore feeling in affected regions.

Signs of MS - Numbness and Tingling