Besides vision, which major sense is most affected in multiple sclerosis?

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the central nervous system becomes damaged due to autoimmune activity that leads to the demyelination of neurons. This condition does affect various aspects of sensory perception. Among the major senses, it is tactile perception—related to touch—that is significantly impacted in MS patients.

Individuals with MS may experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or altered sensitivities in their skin. This is often due to lesions in the nervous system that disrupt normal transmission of sensory information to and from the brain. Sensory changes regarding touch can include hypersensitivity where even light touch can feel painful, or reduced sensitivity where patients might not feel certain stimuli at all.

While other senses like hearing, taste, and smell can be affected, they are generally not the most commonly reported issues in persons with MS. Tactile disturbances, particularly numbness and paresthesias, are hallmark symptoms, making touch the major sense most affected after vision in this condition.