Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Its symptoms

About MS

A lifelong journey with many different paths

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the brain, spinal cord, and/or optic nerves. If you or a loved one is living with this condition, you may have already discovered how complex and unpredictable it can be. Everyone’s experience with MS is unique.

Multiple sclerosis causes a variety of symptoms that can have a challenging impact on your daily life, from family activities, to work, to favourite hobbies, and more. It can also cause mobility challenges like muscle weakness, pain, and spasticity – symptoms that can make it harder to move around your home, community, or other spaces that are important for you. [1,2]

Keep reading to learn more about life with MS, how it’s diagnosed and managed, and how the right mobility solutions can help people living with MS stay active and healthy.

2.8 million

people worldwide are currently living with MS[2]

300

people around the world are diagnosed with MS every day[3]

#1

non-traumatic cause of disability in young people[4]

2X

more common in females than males[5]

75%

of people living with MS are female[6]

20-40

is the average age of initial diagnosis[7]

What causes multiple sclerosis?

MS symptoms occur when the immune system attacks the central nervous system and damages a protective sheath called “myelin” that covers nerves cells. Myelin plays an important role in conducting nerve signals. When MS damages it, it affects the central nervous system’s ability to communicate with and control your body.

No one knows exactly what triggers these attacks, but environmental or genetic factors may play a role.[1,2] Some research suggests that MS may occur when someone with a certain set of genes is exposed to the specific environmental factors. Other studies also point to ethnicity and geography potentially playing a role in who develops MS.[1]

MS typically affects younger people, especially women. In fact, the average age of diagnosis is just 32 years.[1,2] And while there’s no cure, many symptoms can be managed effectively over time – including symptoms that impact mobility.

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Woman in Ottobock Exopulse Mollii Suit lounging on a couch while reading a book.

Types

Multiple sclerosis comes in three main forms

While there are numerous rare and complex subtypes of MS, the condition typically presents in one of three forms.[8] Each type develops and advances in different ways, and may impact mobility at different rates.

A physiotherapis assists a woman wearing Ottobock L300 Go during a balance exercise in a clinic setting.

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)

Most people living with MS are initially diagnosed with this form.[8] With RRMS, new or existing symptoms usually flare up for a short time, followed by longer symptom-free periods. For example, you may have muscle weakness in your legs for a few days, but then have no trouble walking for months or years afterwards.

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Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS)

If your MS advances to SPMS, you’ll begin to experience slow, steady progression of your symptoms. SPMS can involve “active” periods with relapses that don’t fully resolve, or remain “non-active” with symptoms that steadily get worse.[8]

Physiotherapist and woman in Ottobock Exopulse Mollii Suit at orthopedic clinic, doing ball throwing exercise.

Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS)

PPMS accounts for only about 10% of new MS diagnoses.[8] If you have this form, you’ll experience steady, unremitting symptom progression from the start. That can feel like leg muscles that get progressively weaker over time or other symptoms that continually increase without remission.

Diagnosis

Identifying multiple sclerosis can be a complex process

While MS can cause many life-changing symptoms, pinpointing the condition can be challenging. There's no blood test, scan, or other exam that can positively identify multiple sclerosis. Its symptoms often come and go, progress slowly, or mimic those of other conditions.

That’s why getting a definite diagnosis can be a long, uncertain, and frustrating process – one that typically involves lots of tests, neurological exams, scans, and other procedures. For many patients, it can even take years to confirm they have MS![9]

To conclusively diagnose the condition, healthcare professionals must fulfil all three of the following requirements [10]:

Find evidence of damage in two or more areas of the central nervous system.
Find evidence that the damage occurred at different points in time.
Rule out all other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of MS.

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Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis affects people in many different ways

From your muscles, to your senses, to your digestion, MS can impact your body in a remarkable and sometimes confusing number of ways. Some patients describe it as a condition with a thousand faces – and a different one for every person living with MS.

Here are just a few of the most common symptoms people living with MS may experience — and how those symptoms can affect daily life. [11,12]

Early MS symptoms

This common symptom occurs when inflammation begins to damage the nerves that control your muscles, and can occur in many parts of the body depending on where MS has damaged your central nervous system.

For example, weakness in the legs, ankles, or feet can interfere with your ability to walk, making it more difficult to move around your home, go to work, or participate in many other activities you enjoy.

Pain from MS can affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and nerves anywhere in the body. It’s a common symptom for people living with this condition, and can greatly limit your ability to pursue and enjoy many activities – from simple tasks like getting dressed, to taking part in family activities, and more.[2]

MS-related pain can come on and resolve quickly, or it may develop slowly and persist. It typically comes in two forms [18]:

Neuropathic pain: This type of pain is a direct result of MS and the damage it causes to nerves in your central nervous system. It can feel like a burning sensation, aching, or pins and needles.
Musculoskeletal Pain: This form is the result of weakness, stiffness or other mobility problems related to MS. For example, weakness in your leg may have caused you to walk differently, leading to pain in your back and hip.

A complex nerve pathway helps control and coordinate the way your body moves. When MS damages those nerves, it can cause involuntary movement of the limbs, trunk, or head.[19]

Tremor can make simple activities much more challenging – such as eating, getting dressed, or cooking. It can have a big emotional and social impact. Some tremor symptoms may look like clumsiness or awkwardness, which can leave some patients feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about their condition.

For many people, this is one of the very first symptoms of MS. [20] When MS attacks the optic nerve or nerves that control your eye movements, it can cause problems such as blurred, greyed, or double vision, temporary partial blindness, and uncontrolled movement of the eye.

While these symptoms rarely progress to complete blindness, they can still be very disruptive to your day-to-day life. Driving, cycling, housekeeping, cooking, and many other daily activities can be much more difficult when MS impairs your vision.

This common symptom occurs when damage to the nerves that control your muscles causes them to involuntarily tighten, stiffen, or spasm. Spasticity can affect muscles throughout the body, including the legs, arms, and neck.

Spasms in those areas can make many daily activities much more challenging. Spasticity in your feet or legs can make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or cross your legs. If muscles in your arms contract, it may be hard to eat, groom yourself, or use touchscreen devices.

Symptoms of advanced MS

MS can impact your mobility at any stage of the condition. But as it advances, MS can sometimes lead to more severe issues with balance and coordination that can make it difficult to move freely around your home, work, or other environments.

Some people living with MS may find their movements becoming progressively more unsteady and uncoordinated, and may rely on mobility aid like a wheelchair to get around safely. Over time, about half of people with MS will need some assistance to walk, and about 10% will need a wheelchair.[21]

If your MS affects nerves in your brain, it may ultimately lead to some difficulties with memory and clear thinking. Many patients with MS report experiencing a kind of “brain fog” – trouble finding the right words, remembering things, or forming thoughts quickly.[22]

Over time, MS isn’t likely to affect basic functions like your general intellect, long-term memory, conversational skill, or reading comprehension. But it can still cause changes to many higher-level functions like focus, organization, perception, and memory.[23]

It’s not uncommon for people living with MS to develop some form of difficulty with their speech. This can occur when MS disrupts nerve signals or weakens muscles in the lower face, lips, tongue, and throat.[24]

When MS makes it harder to control or coordinate those areas of your body, it may be more difficult for you to pronounce certain sounds, speak loud enough to be heard, or speak at a natural rate.[25]

If you’re like many people affected by a debilitating condition, living with MS can often be a challenging, stressful, and anxious experience. Over time, dealing with many of those feelings can lead to serious mental health issues – including depression.

If living with MS has affected your mental and emotional wellbeing, you’re far from alone: 50% of people impacted by this condition experience some form of depression, as well as its effects on sleep, appetite, motivation, concentration, and more. [26,27] Seeking support for those feelings and experiences is often an essential part of managing MS.

Managing MS

Tailored ways to manage multiple sclerosis and its symptoms

While there’s no cure for MS, many treatment options make it possible to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of this condition. MS is different for everyone, so most care plans are highly personalized, often combining elements from several types of treatment or assistive approaches [28]:

Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) are designed to address the underlying immune response that actually causes multiple sclerosis symptoms. Today, there are a range of available drug therapies that can help directly treat MS and/or slow its progression in different ways.
Symptomatic treatments, such as pain medication, physiotherapy, or symptom management techniques, can alleviate physical and mental effects of the condition. That can include treatments specifically focused on depression, tremor, bladder control issues, and many other MS-related challenges.
Mobility-related support is crucial for people dealing with symptoms like muscle weakness and spasticity. People living with MS can benefit from a variety of mobility aids, from customised orthotics, to neuromodulation devices, to powered wheelchairs, and more.

At Ottobock, we provide a wide range of solutions that can help support your freedom of movement at every stage of MS progression. Keep reading to learn more about our comprehensive, lifelong approach to managing mobility for people with neurological conditions.

Ottobock solutions

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MS & Mobility

With multiple sclerosis, supporting mobility is essential

While multiple sclerosis symptoms like pain, spasticity, and muscle weakness can significantly impact mobility, there are many ways to successfully manage these challenges over time. In fact, many of Ottobock’s NeuroMobility solutions are specifically designed to support and protect mobility for those with neurological conditions.

Our holistic approach is focused on empowering people to stay active, mobile, and empowered at every point of their MS journey. But don’t take it from us — here’s what some of our real users have to say!

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Barbara

Keeping life in motion

A socially active mother of two, Barbara decides how far she wants to go, and in what direction. Thanks to her Motus CV adaptive wheelchair, Barbara’s MS journey is all about accepting help when she needs it while enjoying as much independence as possible.

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Product Solutions

Mobility solutions for people living with multiple sclerosis

From neuromodulation devices, to personalisable braces to freedom-enabling wheelchairs, Ottobock’s solutions support a wide range of MS related mobility challenges. Here are just a few of the products we offer for people at every stage of life with MS.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Many factors can impact exactly how long someone may live with this condition, including their unique set of symptoms, other medical conditions they may have, their environment, and many other considerations.

Recent studies in North America and Europe have shown that people living with MS live well into their 70s on average, though their life expectancy is typically lower than that of the general population. [29,30]

Absolutely! The latest disease-modifying drug therapies, symptomatic treatments, and mobility-related support solutions can help people with multiple sclerosis maintain their independence.

Even if symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, independent living resources are also available, such as Aging & Disability Resource Centers, Home & Community-Based Services, and Centers for Independent Living.[31]

Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed by a neurologist, who should also be able to tell you what type you have (RRMS, SPMS, PPMS, or another type).[32]

MS affects every person who has it differently. The condition’s progression and symptoms are extremely difficult to predict, but you can connect with others who have been diagnosed with the same type of MS as you via social media and/or MS Australia to connect with support groups in your state. [1,2]

No, at this time there is no cure for multiple sclerosis. But while it may be a lifelong condition, there are many effective ways to manage both the condition and its symptoms.

Numerous forms of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) can help slow the progression of MS or address its underlying cause, while many other treatments are available for symptoms like depression, pain, spasticity, and more. If you’re experiencing one of the many mobility issues MS can cause, many of those symptoms can also be addressed with orthotics, assistive devices, or other NeuroMobility solutions.

MS symptoms can be unpredictable. The way they appear and progress may depend on which of the three main types of MS you’re living with.

Symptoms of Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) may flare up for days or months (relapse) but then be followed by a symptom-free period that may last months or years. Symptoms of Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) and Primary-Progressive MS may persist, never fully go away, or get continually worse over time.[33]

We’re here to keep support you at every step

We’ve spent over a 100 years developing and advancing innovations that help people regain and maintain their freedom of movement. If your mobility has been affected by MS, our team of experts is here to help connect you with solutions that can help keep you moving toward the life you want.

Throughout your journey with MS, we’re ready to partner with you and your care team as you explore and discover the best way to manage your unique symptoms. We know mastering the impact on your mobility can be a long and complex process – and we’re here to help you find the right approach.

Contact

Reach out to learn more about multiple sclerosis & mobility

Have more questions or want to learn more about Ottobock’s mobility solutions for people living with multiple sclerosis? Connect with our experts today!

They’ll be happy to provide additional information about our products and connect you with a clinician close to you. Complete the form below and a member of our team will reach out shortly to continue the conversation.

1. What is MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS

2. About MS. EMSP. Updated November 5, 2021. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://emsp.org/about-ms/

3. Kos D, Eijssen I, Bekkering GE, et al. Occupational therapy in multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;2023(5):CD015371. Published 2023 May 3. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD015371

4. Dimitrov LG, Turner B. What's new in multiple sclerosis? Br J Gen Pract. 2014;64(629):612-613. doi:10.3399/bjgp14X682609

5. 7MM sex-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of MS, both sexes, all ages, 2016. GlobalData. Accessed via: The burden of multiple sclerosis is twice as high in women. Clinical Trials Arena. Updated November 20, 2017. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/comment/burden-multiple-sclerosis-twice-high-women/

6. Schwendimann RN, Alekseeva N. Gender Issues in Multiple Sclerosis. International Review of Neurobiology, Academic Press. 2007;79:277-392.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0074-7742(07)79017-7.

7. About Multiple Sclerosis (MS). PennMedicine. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/multiple-sclerosis-ms

8. Types of multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/overview/types/

9. Diagnosis (Multiple Sclerosis). National Health System. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/diagnosis/

10. How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed? National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/Diagnosing-MS

11. Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-sclerosis-ms

12. Restivo J. Multiple sclerosis symptoms: What you need to know. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. August 8, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2024.https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/multiple-sclerosis-symptoms-what-you-need-to-know

13. Hauser SL, Goodwin DS. Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. In: Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, editors. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. II. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. pp. 2611–2621.

14. Numbness (MS Symptoms). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Numbness

15. Numbness (Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms). Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/symptoms/numbness/

16. Bladder Dysfunction (Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms). Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/symptoms/bladder-dysfunction

17. Bowel Problems (Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms). Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/symptoms/bowel-problems/

18. Pain in Itching (MS Symptoms). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Pain

19. Tremor (MS Symptoms). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Tremor

20. Vision Problems (MS Symptoms). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Vision-Problems

21. Coca-Tapia M, Cuesta-Gómez A, et al. Gait Pattern in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel). 2021 Mar 24;11(4):584. doi: 10.3390.

22. Memory and Thinking (Signs and Symptoms of MS). Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/signs-and-symptoms/memory-and-thinking

23. Cognitive Changes (MS Symptoms). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Cognitive-Changes

24. Speech Difficulties (Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms). Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/symptoms/speech/

25. Plotas P, Nanousi V, Kantanis A, et al. Speech deficits in multiple sclerosis: a narrative review of the existing literature. Eur J Med Res. 2023 Jul 24;28(1):252. doi: 10.1186/s40001-023-01230-3

26. Feinstein A. Multiple sclerosis and depression. Multiple Sclerosis Journal. 2011;17(11):1276-1281. doi:10.1177/1352458511417835

27. Depression (Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms). Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://mymsaa.org/ms-information/symptoms/depression/

28. How Is MS Treated? Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Updated April 1, 2022. Accessed February 14, 2024.https://mstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-drugs-treatments/how-is-ms-treated

29. Lunde HMB, Assmus J, Myhr K, et alSurvival and cause of death in multiple sclerosis: a 60-year longitudinal population studyJournal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2017;88:621-625.

30. Marrie RA, Elliott L, Marriott J, et al. Effect of comorbidity on mortality in multiple sclerosis. Neurology. 2015;85(3):240-247. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000001718

31. Guide to understanding independent living resources. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Accessed February 16, 2024.https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Doctors-Resources/Guides/Independent-Living

32. How is MS diagnosed? MS Society. Accessed February 16, 2024.https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/diagnosis/the-tests-for-ms

33. Multiple Sclerosis. National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed March 1, 2024.https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/multiple-sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) & mobility: Mastering the challenges together

Learn more about solutions to support your mobility.

A lifelong journey with many different paths

2.8 million

300

#1

2X

75%

20-40

What causes multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis comes in three main forms

Identifying multiple sclerosis can be a complex process

Multiple sclerosis affects people in many different ways

Early MS symptoms

Symptoms of advanced MS

Tailored ways to manage multiple sclerosis and its symptoms

With multiple sclerosis, supporting mobility is essential

Keeping life in motion

Finding the right mobility support

Keeping life in motion

Finding the right mobility support

Keeping life in motion

Mobility solutions for people living with multiple sclerosis

Frequently asked questions

We’re here to keep support you at every step

Reach out to learn more about multiple sclerosis & mobility