Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system. Depending on where the damage is, some people experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo, along with other symptoms.
MS symptoms result from temporary demyelination, or damage to protective tissue around nerves, or long-term scars in the central nervous system.
When demyelination heals, symptoms improve. However, sometimes the damage is permanent and leads to scars, often called plaques, and can cause persistent symptoms.
If demyelination or damage occurs in the parts of the brain and central nervous system (CNS) that help you maintain equilibrium (balance), such as the brainstem or cerebellum, you may experience dizziness or vertigo.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo are common symptoms of MS. However, they can also have other causes. It’s important to rule out other causes to manage these symptoms effectively.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of dizziness and vertigo, how they’re treated, and how they relate to MS.
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