Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

People who have multiple sclerosis (MS) can lead a full and satisfying life. Every person’s experience is different. Some people have no limitations while others have significant limitations. For some people, these limitations can be part of everyday life. At times, MS symptoms may interfere with work or social activities and may require changes in daily routines. Fortunately, treatments are available to help manage symptoms, and there are rehabilitation strategies to address these limitations. VA has many specialists who can help you manage your MS, including

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctors
• Neurologists
• Urologists
• Pain Medicine Doctors
• Pharmacists
• Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Recreational Therapists
• Psychologists
• Social Workers

It is also important to pay attention to overall health and quality of life, not just MS symptoms. Managing stress, exercising more, and quitting smoking will help with general health and with managing MS.

Bladder

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

Bowel

• Bowel Management in MS
• National MS Society: Constipation and Loss of Bowl Control Due to MS

Breathing

•  National MS Society: Breathing Issues

Cognition

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

Dizziness or Vertigo

• National MS Society: Vertigo and Dizziness

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 and Itching

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: Family Planning and Pregnancy with MS
• National MS Society: Sexual Dysfunction

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 Difficulties

Tremor

• National MS Society: Tremor (Shaking) Due to MS

Vision

• Optic Neuritis
• National MS Society: Vision Disorders

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