Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

People who have MS can lead a full and satisfying life. Every person’s experience is different with some having no limitations to others having significant limitations. For some people, these limitations can be a part of every-day life. At times, MS symptoms may interfere with work or social activities and may require making adjustments in daily routines. Individuals can experience difficulty with walking or driving, completing household tasks, managing finances, or completing work functions.

Fortunately, treatments are available to help with symptom management and there are rehabilitation strategies to address these limitations. Specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Urology, Pain Medicine, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Speech and Recreational Therapy, and Social Work can help manage the symptoms associated with MS, and are available to Veterans through the VA. It is also important to note that in addition to addressing MS symptoms, individuals should pay attention to their overall health and quality of life. Managing stress, increasing exercise, and quitting smoking will help in general and specifically with MS management.

• Living with Progressive MS: A Webinar for Veterans with MS

Bladder

• Are Bladder Problems Tied to Falls in MS?
• Bladder Changes in MS
• The Urinary Tract in MS
• National MS Society: Bladder Problems

Bowel

• Bowel Management in MS
• National MS Society: Bowel Problems

Breathing

•  National MS Society: Breathing Problems

Cognition

• Cognitive Rehabilitation
  
• Understanding Cognitive Dysfunction
• Understanding How MS Can Affect Your Cognition
• National MS Society: Cognitive Changes

Dizziness or Vertigo

• National MS Society: Dizziness and Vertigo

Emotional Changes and Depression

• Questions and Answers About Depression
• National MS Society: Depression
• National MS Society: Emotional Changes

Fatigue

• Common Sleep Disorders and MS
• Easy and Common Tips for Good Sleep
• MS-Related Fatigue: Swimming in a Fur Coat
• National MS Society: Fatigue

Mobility

• Staying Upright: Avoiding Falls
• Meeting Mobility Challenges: One Step at a Time
• Power Mobility: Is it Time for Wheels?
• Things to Consider About Driving
• Transporting a Scooter or Power Wheelchair
• National MS Society: Walking (Gait) Difficulties

Numbness or Tingling

• National MS Society: Numbness or Tingling

Pain

• Successfully Managing Pain in MS
• The "Ouch" of MS
• National MS Society: Pain

Seizures

• Seizures and MS
• National MS Society: Seizures

Sex and Intimacy

• Pregnancy in MS
• Sexual Dysfunction and MS
• That Part of You That is Sexual
  
• National MS Society: Pregnancy and Reproductive Issues
• National MS Society: Sexual Problems
  

Spasticity

• Managing Spasticity
• Managing Spasticity with an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump
• Spasticity: Take Control
• National MS Society: Spasticity

Speech and Swallowing

• Speech and Swallowing
• Swallowing, Speaking, and Thinking
• National MS Society: Speech Problems
• National MS Society Swallowing Problems

Tremor

• National MS Society: Tremor

Vision

• Optic Neuritis
• National MS Society: Vision Problems

Disclaimer: Links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by MSCoE of any of the products, services, or opinions of the organization. MSCoE bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

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