Numbness

Numbness of the face, body, or extremities is one of the most common symptoms of MS and is often the first symptom experienced by those eventually diagnosed as having MS. The numbness may be mild or so severe that it interferes with the ability to use the affected body part. For example, a person with very numb feet may have difficulty walking. Numb hands may prevent writing, dressing, or holding objects safely.

Caution Advised

Persons with MS who have severe facial numbness should be very careful when eating or chewing, as they may unwittingly bite the inside of their mouth or tongue. People with numbness over other parts of the body should be especially careful around fires, hot water and other sources of heat, as they may suffer a burn without realizing it. Fortunately, most instances of numbness are not disabling and tend to remit on their own. In very severe cases, the neurologist may prescribe a brief course of corticosteroids, which is often useful temporarily in restoring sensation.

Source - The MS Information Sourcebook produced by the Information Resource Center and Library of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. © 2001 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.