Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. For individuals in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, understanding common MS symptoms can help you seek care early at local neurology and MS clinics, including those affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

How MS Affects the Body

MS damages the protective covering of nerves (myelin), disrupting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms and functional impairments.

MS Symptoms Can Be Very Different From Person to Person

  • Symptoms depend on which part of the central nervous system is affected and how severe the inflammation is.
  • Some people in Grand Rapids living with MS may have very few symptoms, while others experience more noticeable changes.
  • Symptoms may:
    • Come and go (especially during relapses or “flare-ups”)
    • Be short-term or long-term (chronic)
    • Be visible (like walking difficulties) or invisible (like fatigue or cognitive changes)

MS symptoms can also interact with each other and with other health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or musculoskeletal problems.

If you notice new or worsening symptoms, it’s important to contact your neurologist, MS nurse, or primary care provider in Grand Rapids for assessment. Some symptoms may be due to other illnesses or may signal an MS relapse.

Fatigue and MS

MS Fatigue vs. Ordinary Tiredness

Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of MS, affecting up to 90% of people with the condition.

MS fatigue:

  • Appears more easily and suddenly than ordinary tiredness
  • Is generally more severe than typical fatigue
  • Can last longer and take more time to recover from
  • Often worsens as the day goes on
  • Is frequently aggravated by heat and humidity – an important consideration in Michigan summers and during humid weather around the Great Lakes

Fatigue can be:

  • Temporary – for example, during a relapse, an infection, another illness, or when starting a new MS medication
  • Ongoing (chronic) – even after rest or a full night’s sleep

You may wake up fatigued, even if you slept well, and find that fatigue interferes with daily activities, work, or family life.

Causes of MS Fatigue

Fatigue in MS is often divided into:

  • Primary fatigue – caused directly by MS and nerve damage
  • Secondary fatigue – caused or worsened by:
    • Co-existing medical conditions (such as thyroid problems or anemia)
    • Poor diet or dehydration
    • Lack of physical activity or deconditioning
    • Poor sleep quality
    • Medication side effects
    • Stress, anxiety, or depression
    • Hormonal changes
    • Heat sensitivity (common in MS and relevant to hot, humid West Michigan summers)

Managing MS Fatigue in Grand Rapids

Recognizing your early warning signs of fatigue can help you plan your day and conserve energy. Strategies include:

  • Exercise and activity

    • Gentle, regular exercise (such as walking, swimming in a cool pool, or supervised physical therapy) to improve stamina and strength
    • Work with a physiotherapist or physical therapist (many are available through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other local systems)

  • Pacing and planning

    • Alternate heavy tasks with lighter tasks
    • Do more demanding activities when you typically have the most energy (for many people, this is in the morning)
    • Build in regular rest breaks throughout the day

  • Lifestyle and health

    • Maintain a balanced diet and stay well hydrated
    • Address sleep issues, stress, and mood with your healthcare team
    • Talk with family, friends, and coworkers so they understand your limitations and can support you

Your Grand Rapids healthcare team can help you develop a tailored fatigue management plan.

Vision Problems and MS

Optic Neuritis and Other Visual Symptoms

Visual problems are often one of the first symptoms of MS. The optic nerve can become inflamed (optic neuritis), which is a common site of demyelination.

More than half of people with MS will experience at least one visual problem, such as:

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Pain with eye movement
  • Changes in color vision (especially red appearing faded)
  • Blind spots or missing areas in your field of vision
  • Visual field defects (parts of your vision missing)

If you live in Grand Rapids and experience any sudden change in vision, contact:

  • Your GP/primary care provider
  • Your neurologist or MS nurse
  • An eye specialist (ophthalmologist)

Prompt eye assessment can determine the level of inflammation and whether treatments such as steroids are needed.

Sensory Symptoms: Numbness, Tingling, and Pain

Sensory Changes in MS

Changes in sensation are common in MS and may include:

  • Numbness
  • Pins and needles
  • Tingling or “electric shock” sensations
  • Burning pain

These can occur anywhere in the body, including the arms, legs, trunk, or face. They may be mild or severe enough to interfere with function (for example, difficulty writing, buttoning clothes, or walking).

New sensory symptoms can be a sign of a relapse and should be reported to your MS healthcare team in Grand Rapids.

Pain and MS

Pain in MS can be:

  • Neuropathic pain – directly related to demyelination (burning, stabbing, or electric-like pain)
  • Musculoskeletal pain – due to altered movement patterns, weakness, or spasticity (for example, back or knee pain from weakened leg muscles)

Pain can significantly affect quality of life and mood. Speak with your GP, neurologist, or pain specialist in Grand Rapids for assessment and management options, which may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions.

Bladder and Bowel Changes in MS

Issues with bladder and bowel function are common at some stage in MS and can be distressing, but they are also very treatable.

These problems can also be caused by conditions other than MS, so it is important to report any changes to your GP, MS nurse, or neurologist.

Common Bladder Symptoms

  • Increased or decreased frequency of urination
  • Urgency (sudden, strong need to urinate)
  • Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine)
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Need to urinate frequently at night (nocturia)

Common Bowel Symptoms

  • Severe constipation
  • Fecal incontinence (involuntary loss of stool or gas)
  • Diarrhea or alternating constipation and diarrhea

These issues are widespread among people with MS and also in the general population, so you are not alone.

Managing Bladder and Bowel Symptoms in Grand Rapids

With the right advice, many people significantly improve these symptoms. Strategies include:

  • Medical assessment and treatment

    • Talk with your GP, MS nurse, neurologist, or a specialist:
      • Urologist for bladder issues
      • Gastroenterologist for bowel issues
    • Medication, bladder training, or other treatments may be recommended

  • Continence aids

    • Products such as disposable pads and protective garments are available at local pharmacies and supermarkets across Grand Rapids

  • Planning ahead

    • Plan routes and activities with restroom access in mind
    • Call ahead to venues in West Michigan (restaurants, arenas, parks) to confirm accessible facilities

  • Fluid intake

    • Drink enough water to avoid concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and increase urgency and frequency
    • Do not manage bladder symptoms by severely restricting fluids, as this can worsen constipation and UTIs

  • Diet and lifestyle

    • Follow a high-fiber, balanced diet to support regular bowel movements
    • Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can increase urinary frequency and urgency
    • Perform pelvic floor exercises (guided by a pelvic health physiotherapist if needed)
    • Stay physically active as tolerated

Local resources such as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs can also offer guidance and referrals.

Sexual Function and MS

Sexual dysfunction is common in MS and can be caused by:

  • Direct nerve damage in the brain or spinal cord
  • Other symptoms such as fatigue, pain, spasticity, or bladder issues
  • Depression, anxiety, or relationship stress related to living with a chronic condition

Issues can include reduced libido, difficulty with arousal, orgasm problems, vaginal dryness, or erectile dysfunction.

Although it can feel difficult to discuss, sexual health is an important part of quality of life. Talk with your:

  • GP or primary care provider
  • MS nurse or neurologist
  • A sex therapist, counselor, or psychologist in Grand Rapids

There are both physical and psychological treatments that can help.

Motor Symptoms: Walking, Balance, and Spasticity

Changes in Walking (Gait) and Balance

Difficulty walking or changes in your walking style can be among the first MS symptoms noticeable to others. You may experience:

  • Tripping, stumbling, or falling
  • Unsteadiness when walking or turning
  • Needing to hold onto walls, furniture, or other people
  • A heavy feeling in the legs when stepping forward
  • Leg weakness when weight-bearing
  • Difficulty placing your foot flat on the ground
  • Taking slower, shorter steps
  • Loss of confidence when walking

MS-related nerve damage can affect:

  • The muscles that move your legs
  • The parts of the brain and inner ear that control balance and coordination (ataxia)

Other MS symptoms such as pain, tremor, dizziness, vertigo, and visual problems can also increase the risk of falls.

Spasticity and Muscle Spasms

Spasticity is a common MS symptom where muscles feel:

  • Stiff
  • Heavy
  • Difficult to move

Spasms are sudden tightenings of muscles that can cause a limb to jerk or kick out and may be painful.

Not all motor problems are caused by MS, so professional assessment is important. In Grand Rapids, a neurologist, MS nurse, GP, or physiotherapist can:

  • Assess your walking and balance
  • Recommend physical therapy, stretching programs, mobility aids, or medications
  • Help reduce your risk of falls at home and in winter conditions (icy sidewalks and snow are a particular concern in Michigan)

Speech and Swallowing Changes

Damage to nerves involved in speech and swallowing can lead to:

  • Changes in voice tone or quality
  • Slurred speech
  • Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
  • A feeling that food is “sticking” in the throat

These symptoms should be reported to your MS healthcare team. You may be referred to a speech-language pathologist (speech therapist) in Grand Rapids, who can provide strategies, exercises, and diet modifications to help you eat and communicate safely.

Mood, Depression, and Anxiety in MS

Mood Changes Are Common – and Treatable

Mood problems are very common in MS and can occur:

  • Around the time of diagnosis
  • During relapses
  • With changes in function, work, or relationships
  • At any stage of life

The most common issues are depression and anxiety.

Depression in MS can be:

  • A direct symptom of MS (inflammation affecting mood-regulating areas of the brain)
  • A reaction to the stress of diagnosis and living with a chronic, unpredictable disease

Around half of people with MS will experience a depressive episode, which is about three times higher than in the general population.

Depression can range from mild low mood to severe clinical depression that lasts for months and interferes with daily life. It is not a sign of weakness.

Getting Help in Grand Rapids

If you notice changes in mood, motivation, or anxiety:

  • Talk with your GP, MS nurse, or neurologist
  • Consider seeing a psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist in Grand Rapids
  • Involve trusted family and friends – they can help you recognize changes and support you

Prevention and management strategies may include:

  • Regular physical activity (walking, gentle exercise, or physical therapy)
  • Spending time outdoors (even in winter, brief exposure to natural light can help; dress warmly for Michigan’s cold weather)
  • Good sleep habits
  • Stress management (mindfulness, breathing exercises, counseling)
  • Challenging negative thoughts and avoiding harsh self-criticism
  • Joining local or online MS support groups in West Michigan

Without early support, depression and anxiety can worsen and may affect your ability to manage other MS symptoms and treatments.

Cognitive Changes and MS

About half of people with MS experience some changes in thinking (cognition), which may include:

  • Memory problems
  • Reduced attention span
  • Slower information processing
  • Difficulty planning or organizing
  • Problems with decision-making or problem-solving
  • Trouble concentrating or finding words

These changes may be mild and unnoticed by others, or more significant and affect work, school, or relationships.

If you notice cognitive changes, report them to your GP, MS nurse, or neurologist. You may be referred for:

  • Neuropsychological testing to identify specific areas of difficulty
  • Cognitive rehabilitation or strategies to help manage daily tasks

Brain Health and Lifestyle Strategies in MS

Research increasingly shows that general health and lifestyle play a major role in brain health and MS outcomes.

Keep Active – Body and Mind

  • Physical activity

    • Higher levels of aerobic fitness are associated with faster information processing and better preservation of brain volume
    • Exercise can help reduce many MS-related symptoms, including fatigue, mood issues, and bladder/bowel problems

  • Mental activity

    • Lifelong learning, reading, puzzles, hobbies, and creative activities can help protect against cognitive decline
    • Staying socially engaged in the Grand Rapids community (clubs, volunteer work, support groups) also supports brain health

Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Being overweight or obese is linked to:
    • A higher number of MS lesions
    • A 2–3 times higher risk of developing MS (especially when overweight in adolescence)
  • Work with your healthcare team or a dietitian in Grand Rapids to develop a sustainable nutrition and exercise plan.

Avoid Smoking

  • Smoking is associated with:
    • Decreased brain volume
    • Higher relapse rates
    • Faster disability progression
    • More cognitive problems
    • Reduced survival in people with MS
  • Chemicals in cigarette smoke increase inflammation and may directly affect immune cells.

If you smoke, ask your GP or Kent County Health Department about smoking cessation programs and resources in Grand Rapids.

Moderate Alcohol Use

  • Higher levels of alcohol consumption are linked to:
    • Faster disability progression
    • Reduced survival in people with MS

Discuss safe alcohol limits with your healthcare provider.

Manage Stress

Living with MS is inherently stressful, and severe stress has been linked with increased relapse rates.

Consider:

  • Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation, yoga)
  • Counseling or therapy
  • Reorganizing your priorities, delegating tasks, and focusing on what matters most
  • Building a strong support team (family, friends, healthcare providers, local support groups)

Ongoing Medical Care in Grand Rapids

To manage MS effectively:

  • See MS-experienced healthcare professionals when possible:

    • Neurologists specializing in MS at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
    • MS nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech therapists

  • Keep up with other health conditions

    • Continue medications prescribed for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions
    • Attend regular check-ups and preventive screenings through your primary care provider

  • Monitor and report changes

    • Tell your neurologist or GP about any new or persistent symptoms, including:
      • Fatigue
      • Changes in vision
      • Sensory changes (numbness, tingling, burning pain)
      • Bladder or bowel changes
      • Sexual dysfunction
      • Mood or anxiety symptoms
      • Cognitive changes
      • Pain or new motor problems (tripping, falling, weakness, spasticity)

Early intervention can help:

  • Minimize relapses
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Prevent new lesions
  • Slow brain atrophy
  • Preserve function and independence

Key Points About MS Symptoms in Grand Rapids

  • MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and functional impairments, many of which are manageable with the right care.
  • Some people may have few symptoms, while others have more noticeable challenges.
  • Symptoms can be visible or invisible, and may interact with each other and with other health conditions.
  • The main goals in managing MS are to:
    • Minimize the impact of symptoms on your day-to-day life
    • Maintain brain and body health
    • Stay as active and independent as possible

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area and suspect MS symptoms or need help managing a diagnosis, connect with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • A local neurologist or MS clinic
  • Community resources such as the Kent County Health Department and local support organizations

Prompt, ongoing care and a proactive lifestyle can make a meaningful difference in living well with MS in Grand Rapids, Michigan.