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Is Constipation A Symptom Of Multiple Sclerosis?

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Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015
Question: Would constipation occur as an isolated incident in ms? As its own exacerbation? Or does it frequently occur alongside other neurological conditions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Not an isolated symptom of MS.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Constipation is one of the symptoms encountered in MS patients, but never as an isolated symptom, in other words, there should be several other symptoms (numbness or weakness in limbs, vision and speech problems, gait problems, fatigue, electric sensations, etc) besides constipation to consider MS as a possibility.

Constipation is a symptom of other neurological conditions too such neuropathy, Parkinson's, stroke, spinal cord injuries, but always in coexistence with other neurologic symptoms.

If you suffer from constipation ( chronic), you should discuss with your primary care Doctor about evaluating more common causes of it related to large intestine, pelvic musculature, or hormonal disorders ( low thyroid function eg.) before thinking of any neurological disorder.

Hope I've been of help.

I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)
Well before i had experienced some tingling in my left hand, some suddenly cold feet, some dizziness, and moments when I felt hypertense. Ive gone to the neurologist who ran an eeg, emg, and a basic neuro exam and found nothing abnormal. He doesnt think its multiple sclerosis but i was concerned because i recently became constipated and it just seems as though all the symptoms put together equal ms. Though the only sptom is experiencing right now is constipation, Im wondering if this is a common presentation of ms.. Is it possible for ms induced constipation to occur without other symptoms happening at the same time?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It is not possible.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

MS is a relapsing/remitting disease, it means that several symptoms settle down for some time and show of ( all of symptoms and possibly new ones ) time to time, not just one symptom.

In addition, constipation in MS diagnosed patients is usually chronic, or continuous.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)
Based on my description of previous symptoms do you think its likely i have ms? Is it typically in ms to see the rapid appearance of new symptoms in a short amount of time? Tremor, dizziness, random patches of numbness, fasications, constipation?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
MS less likely.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

New symptoms, or relapse in MS develop over several days or weeks followed by quietness of disease over months or even years.

Rapid onset of symptoms you describe, could be related to other simplier conditions such anxiety disorder eg.

So, in my opinion, yours is not the case of MS.

If you continue to remain in serious doubts, get an neurologic evaluation and proper tests to evaluate/exclude MS.

Hope I've been of help.

Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)
One thing i have noticed is that at night occassionally my leg will jerk at random or my arm will move randomly. Its odd because it only appears at night. I havent fallen asleep yet when it happens either
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not related to MS.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Some people could experience body movements before sleeping, exactly at the time you ARE falling asleep.

These movements are most probably related to daily physical and mental overcharges, than any medical condition.

These include sense of falling, limbs movements, strange dreams etc.

Those are not related to MS.

MS symptoms are organized group of symptoms in space and time, not occasional symptoms.

Hope I've been understandable.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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Is Constipation A Symptom Of Multiple Sclerosis?

Brief Answer: Not an isolated symptom of MS. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Constipation is one of the symptoms encountered in MS patients, but never as an isolated symptom, in other words, there should be several other symptoms (numbness or weakness in limbs, vision and speech problems, gait problems, fatigue, electric sensations, etc) besides constipation to consider MS as a possibility. Constipation is a symptom of other neurological conditions too such neuropathy, Parkinson's, stroke, spinal cord injuries, but always in coexistence with other neurologic symptoms. If you suffer from constipation ( chronic), you should discuss with your primary care Doctor about evaluating more common causes of it related to large intestine, pelvic musculature, or hormonal disorders ( low thyroid function eg.) before thinking of any neurological disorder. Hope I've been of help. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications. Take care.