Individuals with multiple sclerosis may experience a wide variety of symptoms.
The initial attacks are often transient, mild (or asymptomatic), and
self-limited. They often do not prompt a health care visit and sometimes are
only identified in retrospect once the diagnosis has been made based on further
attacks. The most common initial symptoms reported are: changes in sensation in
the arms, legs or face (33%), complete or partial vision loss (optic neuritis)
(16%), weakness (13%), double vision (7%), unsteadiness when walking (5%), and
balance problems (3%). Fifteen percent of individuals have multiple symptoms
when they first seek medical attention. Most people find their initial MS
symptoms occur over a period of hours to weeks. For some people the initial MS
attack is preceded by infection, trauma or strenuous physical effort.