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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Most definitive symptoms

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Minden, NV
November 26, 2025
 · 
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A MyMSTeam Member

I think it started with a foot drop. Then, balance issues. Emotional moments. Like I would sit down to breakfast with my son. Not a worry in the world, and I start sobbing. Brain fog was there as well. Wanting to say something takes time or using incorrect words. Those are the most definitive for me. Fatigue and weakness are what has gotten worse over time, and with any of the other fun stuff MS throws at me.

November 26, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

Fatigue was one of my first symptoms, then I experienced numbness in a leg which I blew off as a Marine Corps injury, then optic neuritis led to my diagnosis, after an MRI.

November 26, 2025
MyMSTeam

What are the most definitive symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

MS symptoms vary widely from person to person, but some of the most common early signs include:

- Visual disturbances (including optic neuritis with painful vision loss)
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Tingling sensations
- Balance and coordination problems
- Show Full Answer

What are the most definitive symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

MS symptoms vary widely from person to person, but some of the most common early signs include:

- Visual disturbances (including optic neuritis with painful vision loss)
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Tingling sensations
- Balance and coordination problems
- Fatigue
- Cognitive issues (often called "brain fog")
- Bladder or bowel problems
- Muscle spasticity (stiffness and spasms)

According to a MyMSTeam member who kept a symptom diary during diagnosis, her symptoms included a blurry eye, difficulty opening doorknobs, nerve pain, extreme fatigue (falling asleep in unusual places), and weakness.

It's important to know that MS symptoms can be subtle and affect the central nervous system differently for each person. Only a physician can make an accurate diagnosis. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms, keep a detailed diary of what you're experiencing and share it with your doctor. Being specific about your symptoms helps ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis.

Remember that some symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues are often reported as the most difficult to manage according to surveys of people with MS.

November 26, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

Hug to you You are strong enough to get through this.

November 26, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

Hello @KarenLevy My first symptoms were blurred vision and double vision. This was in 1989. Then similar bouts in 1999 and 1991, after which I was diagnosed with MS. Weird vision effects seem to really suggest MS though MRIs and possibly spinal tap needed for definite diagnosis.

November 26, 2025

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