Multiple sclerosis- what are the presenting features

MS can cause present with variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation(parasthesia) visual problems due to optic nerve involvement, muscle weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech(cerebellar or its connection), severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, problems with balance, sensitivity to heat and pain. 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%); but many rare initial symptoms have been reported such as aphasia or psychosis. Fifteen percent of individuals have multiple symptoms when they first seek medical attention. For some people the initial MS attack is preceded by infection, trauma, or strenuous physical effort.Another form of MS otherwise called neuromyelitis optica present with paraplegia and visual loss.MS is more common in women than in men