| Numbness is a particularly common symptom with multiple
sclerosis. It can often be the first symptom with which a patient
presents to a physician subsequently leading to a diagnosis of multiple
sclerosis.
Numbness can affect a very small area such as a
small spot on the face or it can affect whole areas of the body,
such as legs, feet, hands or arms.
It can be transient, meaning it lasts only for a short time, perhaps
an hour or two; or can last for a considerable period of time.
Usually, numbness does not affect day to day activities but in severe
cases, it can interfere with a person's ability to function normally.
For example, if the numbness is in an entire leg or in both legs, it
may hamper mobility.
Numbness can affect any part of the body; including the face,
mouth, lips, tongue, the trunk, arms, hands, legs, feet, and also the
sexual organs of both males and females.Should the tongue become numb (quite common), care should
be taken to avoid injury when eating.
Thankfully, this type of sensory symptom does not usually last and
tends to disappear of its own accord.
A short course of steroids can sometimes help, particularly in those
cases where daily activities are impeded or there is a danger of accidental
injury.
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