Secondary and Tertiary Symptoms of MS 

Like many chronic diseases, MS can cause a wide range of secondary and tertiary symptoms or trickle-down symptoms that occur as a result of other MS symptoms. 

According to the NMSS, a few examples of secondary symptoms of MS include: 

• rashes from itching;
• urinary tract infections from bladder dysfunction; and
• loss of muscle tone, poor posture and bone density problems as a result of inactivity. 

Tertiary symptoms are essentially the effect the symptoms and having a chronic disease have on various facets of your life. MS symptoms can cause complications in your social life and relationships, as well as with your work, how you carry yourself in society and your self-perception.