Pain
Between 30% and 65% of people with MS report that the condition causes them pain at some time. The pain may be acute (severe and occurring in episodes), or chronic. Optic neuritis is one of the commonest causes of pain. Neuralgia in the facial nerves can also cause painful attacks, but is quite uncommon, affecting less than 10%.
Muscle spasms, especially in the legs, can be a source of severe and persistent pain during periods when the disease is active. Some people experience chronic burning sensations in the arms, hands or legs. Weakness of the back muscles can cause back pain.