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    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Guide
    • Overview
      • What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
      • MS in Women
      • MS in Children
      • MS in People of Color
    • Types
      • What Are the Different Types of MS?
      • Relapsing-Remitting
      • Secondary Progressive
      • Other Types of Multiple Sclerosis
    • Symptoms
      • MS Symptoms & Early Warning Signs
      • Fatigue
      • Pain
      • Spasticity
      • Flare-Ups
    • Causes & Risks
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      • Treatments for MS
      • Disease-Modifying Therapy
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      • Daily Living
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      • Other Questions About Multiple Sclerosis
    • Mobility & Assistive Devices
    • Complications
      • Complications From MS
      • Brain & Nervous System
      • Bladder & Gastrointestinal
      • Other Complications
    • Caregiving & Support
    • View Full Guide

    Complications

    1. Complications From MS

      1. Complications From Multiple Sclerosis

        You can develop complications along with your multiple sclerosis. They can range from mild to severe.

      2. Conditions You May Have Along With MS

        If you have multiple sclerosis, you're more likely to also have certain other medical conditions, including depression, high blood pressure, and lung disease.

    2. Brain & Nervous System

      1. How MS Affects the Brain

        Over time, about half of people with MS can have some cognitive problems. That means poor focus, slowed thinking, or a fuzzy memory.

      2. How MS Affects the Cerebellum

        Commonly, MS can affect a part of your brain called the cerebellum. Damage here can leave you with a wide range of symptoms, including shakiness, coordination problems, slurred speech, or trouble with certain higher-thinking skills.

      3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Tremors

        Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have some form of tremor they can’t control, in different parts of their bodies, like their head, arms, or legs.

      4. Dizziness and Vertigo in MS

        About 1 in 3 people with MS say they feel “dizzy” from time to time. "Dizzy" is a general term that people use to describe a number of different symptoms.

      5. Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) and MS

        Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) is a nervous system condition that makes you suddenly laugh or cry. It can last for seconds or several minutes. Multiple sclerosis (MS) or another neurological disorder is usually what causes it.

      6. MS and Trigeminal Neuralgia

        Trigeminal neuralgia, which is a type of chronic nerve pain in your face, is common with multiple sclerosis (MS).

      7. MS and Seizures

        If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you may be more likely to have seizures than those who don’t have MS.

      8. MS and Dementia

        Cognitive impairment is a common symptom for people with multiple sclerosis. Up to 60% of people with MS have some type of cognitive function symptoms.

    3. Bladder & Gastrointestinal

      1. MS and Bladder Control Problems

        Trouble with bladder control is common for people with MS. But it doesn’t have to take over your life.

      2. MS and Bowel Problems

        If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), your bathroom habits may not be what they used to be. You might have bowel movements a lot more, not as much, or it may be harder to go.

      3. Speech and Swallowing Problems From MS

        People with multiple sclerosis, or MS, often have trouble swallowing, a problem called dysphagia. It can also lead to speech problems.

    4. Other Complications

      1. Can MS Cause Mood Swings?

        Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary widely, because it’s not clear how and where the disease will attack. But mood swings are a common response.

      2. Sexual Dysfunction and MS

        Sexual dysfunction is a very common symptom and complication of multiple sclerosis (MS). The good news is you don’t have to put up with symptoms.

      3. MS and Sleep Apnea

        It's normal to feel tired when you have multiple sclerosis (MS). MS itself can make you tired. Or you could have another disorder that makes it hard for you to sleep.

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