Sensory symptoms

Our senses – including sight, sound, touch, taste and smell – help us interpret and understand the world around us. The brain takes in, processes and responds to this sensory information.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack itself, damaging the connective signals between the brain and the rest of the body, meaning that signals from sensory information are incorrectly interpreted by the body or trigger sensory changes or altered sensations for no clear reason.

While it may be hard to describe, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor or MS nurse if you experience any of the symptoms outlined below. They can help you find strategies or medication to manage sensory symptoms and live more comfortably.

Sensory symptoms and MS

If you have MS, you may experience a change in your skin known as sensory symptoms. It could feel like pressure or a sensation of something that’s not there, such as insects on your skin, being squeezed, a sharp sting or a shock. Common sensory symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Pins and needles
• Tightness
• Itching or burning
• Prickling, crawling or tingling

These sensations can happen across any part of the body, however it’s usually in the face, arms, body or legs.

The sensations will feel very real to the person experiencing them, even when there is no visible cause. For example, you may feel itchy but not have any visible rash or irritation on the skin.

Sensory symptoms may be uncomfortable and can impact your movement or ability to do tasks, such as writing, walking, or holding objects safely.

What causes sensory symptoms?

MS damages nerves that interpret incoming signals. The brain then attempts to relate it to something it can imagine or has experienced before, such as being squeezed or feeling itchy. For example, a tingling sensation in the fingertips is because the nerves that transmit information from the brain about the hand are damaged – the actual hand itself is not damaged.

Sensory symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to painful, and can be triggered by heat or touch.

Sensory symptoms can be broken into three categories of nerve pain, depending on their intensity:

• Paranesthesia – annoying, unpleasant or unusual sensations, such as numbness or tingling, which can either be triggered or happen for no reason.
• Allodynia – extreme sensitivity to touch, where even a light touch or mild change in temperature is painful.
• Dysesthesia – more intense and sometimes painful feelings that happen spontaneously.
  

If you’re experiencing MS sensory symptoms, talk to your GP (general practitioner) or MS nurse or neurologist.

How to manage sensory symptoms

A healthcare professional can help assess your sensory symptoms and create a strategy to manage them.

Depending on the severity and type of symptom you’re experiencing, they may suggest treatments, medication or occupational therapy.

You may also be able to make lifestyle changes and avoid triggers to reduce your symptoms and their impact.