Can multiple sclerosis cause loss of use of hands?

See answer below: Absolutely. The spectrum of MS symptoms is wide and anything can be seen with MS depending on where CNS lesions are located. On occasions, someone may lose function in their hands from MS whether it be secondary to weakness, loss of proprioception or simply from loss of sensation.

Comorbidity: Have encountered comorbidity of carpal tunnel syndrome, and also, seen a few pts with low b-12 levels, but these are merely additional issues superimposed on ms. However, on occasion, may pay to consider alternative causes for some hand issues.

It can: Lesions of MS are present at multiple locations in the brain and spinal cord. Depending on the anatomic location of the lesions, a person could lose the use of hands. Legs are generally affected more than arms.

Consider this: Ms could directly affect hand use, but typically, it involves arm also, and thus, a limb effect, and the loss of use typically occurs during the secondary progressive phase. Often this is reversible, even then, with appropriate treatment. However, many of my patients have experienced carpal tunnel superimposed, and this is readily reversed. So, you need potent ms meds and comorbidities addressed.