As the disease progresses, other symptoms may include heat sensitivity, fatigue, changes in thinking or perception, and sexual disturbances. Primary symptoms are a direct result of demyelination. This impairs the transmission of signals to muscles and other organs. The symptoms include weakness, tremors, tingling, numbness, loss of balance, vision impairment, paralysis, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. Medication, rehabilitation, and other medically based methods can help keep many of these symptoms under control.
Secondary symptoms are the results of the primary symptoms.
These symptoms can be treated, but the ideal goal is to avoid them by treating the primary symptoms. Tertiary symptoms are the social, psychological, and vocational complications associated with the primary and secondary symptoms. Depression, for example, is a common problem among MS patients. Multiple sclerosis follows a varied and unpredictable course. In many people, the disease starts with a single symptom, followed by months or even years without any progression of symptoms.