The most common initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis are the following: Paresthesias in one or more extremities, in the trunk, or on one side of the face Weakness or clumsiness of a leg or hand Visual disturbances (eg, partial loss of vision and pain in one eye due to retrobulbar optic neuritis, diplopia due to internuclear ophthalmoplegia, scotomas) Other common early symptoms of MS include slight stiffness or unusual fatigability of a limb, minor gait disturbances, vertigo, and mild affective disturbances; all usually indicate scattered CNS involvement and may be subtle.