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MS Spinal Cord Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. Plaques develop and cause various disabling symptoms. The disease can have remissions and flare-ups or may be generally progressive but have lengthy times where it does not get worse.

  1. Weakness

    • Frequently, the first symptom the patient notices is weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis), often in the legs. This is caused by plaques on either the brain or spinal cord. Sometimes, there is numbness on the opposite side.

    Muscle Tightening

    • Spinal cord problems in MS can cause muscle tightening along with the leg weakness (spastic paraparesis). This results in difficulty with balance and walking, and the patient may be unable to walk a straight line.

    Leg Paralysis

    • Spastic paraparesis can lead to partial paralysis, and the patient eventually may have to use a wheelchair.

    Cervical Symptoms

    • When spinal cord plaques occur in the neck (cervical) area, it can result in loss of sensation in the shoulders and upper arms. Combined with spastic paraparesis, this can lead to an inability to move either the arms or legs (quadraplegia).

    Pain

    • Burning or shock-like pains are MS spinal cord symptoms. Lhermitte's sign, for instance, involves a shock-like pain which radiates down the spine and possibly into the legs. It occurs when the person bends her head forward or backward.

    Urinary and Sexual Symptoms

    • MS spinal cord symptoms also can include mild or severe urinary incontinence, retention of urine and sudden needs to urinate. Sexual problems are common because of loss of sensation.

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