This impairs transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and other organs. The symptoms include weakness, numbness, tremor, loss of vision, pain, paralysis, loss of balance, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Many of these symptoms can be managed effectively with medication, rehabilitation, and other medical treatments. Secondary symptoms are complications that arise as a result of the primary symptoms. For example, bladder dysfunction can cause repeated urinary tract infections.
Paralysis can lead to the secondary symptom of bedsores.
While secondary symptoms can be treated, the optimal goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms. A person who becomes unable to walk or drive may lose his or her livelihood. The strain of dealing with a chronic illnesses caused by MS may disrupt personal relationships. Depression is frequently seen among people with multiple sclerosis. Depression may be a primary, secondary, or tertiary symptom.