Symptoms
Symptoms may range from mild to severe and may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the face or limbs
-
Impaired vision in one or both eyes, including:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Incoordination or falling
- Trouble walking or maintaining balance
- Weakness in one or more limbs
-
Bladder problems including:
- Urgency
- Hesitancy
- Incomplete emptying
- Incontinence
- Bowel problems, including constipation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Forgetfulness, memory loss, and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating or solving problems
- Depression
Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:
-
Heat including:
- Hot weather
- Hot baths or showers
- Fever
- Overexertion
- Infection
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the brain and spinal chord
- Evoked potentials—a test that records the electrical responses evoked after a sensory stimulus
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)—removal of a small amount of fluid from around the spinal cord to check for white blood cells, antibodies, and proteins
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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