Both diseases involve the nerves.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing problems with either vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or equilibrium.

The symptoms of MS are similar to symptoms of neuropathy, particularly peripheral neuropathy.

Symptoms include uncomfortable sensations such as pain and numbness.

But a major distinction in MS when compared with peripheral neuropathy is that the former impacts the spinal cord, optic nerve, and/or brain meaning the central nervous system, not the peripheral one.

In MS, the issue is that the central nervous system is damaged and unable to properly send signals to the peripheral nerves.

The problem is that neuropathy is often diverse.  There are more than 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy alone.

However, the various strains of peripheral neuropathy all involve some peripheral nervous system damage – meaning issues with the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord, mainly in the extremities, hands, feet, or lower legs.

Numbness, pain, and other abnormal sensations are often experienced. Muscular weakness can also be a symptom.

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The post Can MS be confused with neuropathy? first appeared on Mark Fellers' Neuropathy And Nerve Pain Blog.