What types of symptoms experienced by people severely affected by MS?
• Pain and sensory changes • Bladder and bowel problems (for example, incontinence, urinary tract infections and constipation) • Limited mobility and weakness (upper body and legs) • Muscle spasms and stiffness • Speech and swallowing problems • Tremor • Cognitive problems such as difficulties with memory and thinking • Depression, mood swings and emotional problems • Pressure sores Each of these symptoms may be experienced by anyone with MS at any stage. What marks severe MS is that a person experiences many, or even most, of these symptoms simultaneously. For more information about any of these symptoms, see sections on specific Symptoms, or contact the MS Society and ask for symptom specific publications.
