9 Unusual Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) vary greatly from person to person, and can get better or worse over time. More common symptoms include fatigue, walking (gait) difficulties, numbness or tingling, spasticity, weakness, vision problems, dizziness, bladder and bowel problems, sexual problems, pain, cognitive and emotional changes, and depression.

However, there are also some less common symptoms of MS. Here are some of the more surprising symptoms that you might not be aware of.

• Scanning speech or scanning dysarthria, where the normal “melody” or speech pattern is altered
• Slurring, which is typically due to weakness or a lack of coordination in the muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and mouth
• Dysphonia or loss of speech volume, which can be due to a weak diaphragm
• Stuttering

If you’re having speech problems due to MS, a speech or language pathologist can help, as can assistive devices such as smartphone apps.

You may experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) if you have MS, particularly in the later stages of the disease. This can happen when the nerves that control the muscles in the mouth and throat become damaged. It can also be a result of numbness of the mouth and throat, or mouth dryness due to medication.

Difficulty swallowing can be a serious problem, and it’s important to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. A speech or language pathologist can teach you strategies and exercises for safer eating and swallowing, and help you make any necessary dietary changes.

Some people who have MS experience dysesthesia, or painful sensations in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. They typically feel like burning, prickling, stabbing, ice cold, or electrical sensations.

Pruritis (itching) is a form of dysesthesia. When you have MS, the nerves in the central nervous system that convey sensory information can be damaged. This damage can cause you to feel itchy even though you don’t see any irritation. Because the cause is neurological and not physical like a bug bite or rash, topical skin creams won’t help.

Treatment for this type of pain or itching may include anti-seizure medications and antidepressants, as well as acupuncture, mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Tremors, or uncontrollable or involuntary shaking, can occur in various body parts as a result of MS-related damage to the nerve pathways that coordinate movements.

The most common type of tremor (and most disabling) that occurs in MS is known as an intention tremor. It’s usually most pronounced during physical movement, and gets worse as you try to grasp or reach for something, or move your hand or foot to a specific spot.

Tremor can make it challenging to perform daily activities like eating, drinking, and getting dressed, and can cause some people to feel embarrassed and to avoid social situations.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe different medications to treat tremor, but finding an effective treatment can be difficult. Occupational and physical therapists can help you find ways to manage tremor, including the use of assistive devices.

Still, the evidence of a link between MS and migraine is lacking and the conditions don’t appear to have the same underlying causes. If you’re being treated for both, it’s important to know that interferon beta therapy for MS can increase the risk of headaches. When it comes to managing symptoms, regular exercise has been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of both MS relapses and migraine attacks.

Breathing problems can occur as a result of MS-related damage to the nerves that control the chest muscles. This issue can get worse over time, and be especially exhausting for those who already experience MS fatigue.

Breathing exercises can be helpful, but it’s important to see a healthcare provider who specializes in breathing issues to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Research has shown that many people who have MS experience changes in how food tastes and smells. Around 25 percent of people with MS have experiencing diminished taste, according to the NMSS. While this could be due to MS itself, it can also be caused by certain MS medications.

Before you assume that MS is the cause of impaired or decreased taste, get your symptoms checked out by your doctor, as new loss of taste and smell can also be a symptom of COVID-19, among other conditions.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) isn't just about fatigue and mobility problems. You might also experience some surprising symptoms like vertigo, speech issues, or even changes in taste and smell. Always consult with your doctor if you notice any new or unusual symptoms popping up.