Another symptom that may develop in more advanced cases is seizures, which are estimated to occur in up to 5 percent of MS patients.

Vision Problems

Because MS causes the immune system to attack the optic nerve, vision problems are often early symptoms associated with the onset of the disease. Patients may experience blurry or double vision, pain when moving the eyes, problems with depth perception or color contrast. This symptom may come on gradually or suddenly and may affect one or both eyes.

Most people with MS will experience some degree of vision problems, but for most, the symptoms can be managed or corrected with steroid treatments.

Mouth, Throat and Lungs

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS can cause a wide range of speech problems, which can range from slurred words to problems with articulation and volume control. For other patients, changes can include altered vocal quality, which can include hoarseness or sounding breathless. These problems can be the result of problems breathing or from damaged or weakened nerves in the chest.

In rare cases, patients may experience problems with breathing that can be dangerous as the disease progresses and attacks the nerves that control the muscles responsible for breathing. For most patients who develop this complication, respiratory therapy helps manage it.

Still other patients develop problems swallowing, which may be caused by damage to the muscles that control these actions. This can cause food or drink to be aspirated into the lungs, resulting in infections, along with an increased choking risk.