Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
There are lots of possible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Everyone with the condition is affected differently.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- problems with your eyes or your vision, such as blurred vision or eye pain
- numbness or a tingling feeling in different parts of the body
- feeling off balance, dizzy or clumsy (uncoordinated)
- muscle cramps, spasms and stiffness
- needing to pee more often or not being able to control when you pee
- problems with memory or concentration
- sexual problems, including a dry vagina or erection problems
Symptoms may come (called "flare-ups" or "relapses") and go (called "remissions"), and may get worse over time.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you think you have symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have multiple sclerosis (MS). But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you have sudden:
- weakness or numbness in 1 arm
- loss or blurring of vision
- problems with balance and co-ordination
These could be signs of a stroke and need urgent medical attention.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Tests for multiple sclerosis (MS)
If your GP thinks you could have multiple sclerosis (MS) they'll refer you to a brain and nerve specialist (neurologist).
At your appointment the neurologist will ask about your symptoms.
There is no single test to diagnose MS.
Tests you may have include:
- checks on your movement, coordination, vision, balance and reflexes
- blood tests
- an MRI scan to see if there is damage to the nerves in your brain or spinal cord
- taking a small sample of spinal fluid from your lower back using a needle (lumbar puncture)
- tests that use small sensors attached to your skin to measure how quickly messages from your eyes or ears travel to your brain
Types of multiple sclerosis (MS)
There are 3 main types of multiple sclerosis (MS). They affect everyone differently.
Your neurologist may need to monitor your symptoms and test results for some time to diagnose which type you have.
Type | How symptoms might affect you |
Relapsing remitting |
You have flare-ups of symptoms where they get worse (relapse) and then go away or get better (remission). Over time, this type often develops into secondary progressive MS. |
Secondary progressive |
Your symptoms are there all the time, and get slowly worse. This type of MS can come after relapsing remitting MS. |
Primary progressive |
Your symptoms slowly get worse over time. You do not have periods when they go away or get better (remission). This is less common than the other types of MS. |
Treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS)
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). But there are treatments that can slow the progression of MS and help ease symptoms.
The type of treatment will depend on the type of MS you have and your symptoms. You'll probably need different treatments over time.
You'll be supported by different healthcare professionals. This may include a specialist MS nurse, a neurologist (brain and nerve specialist), physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
Medicines for MS
Treatments you may have include:
- steroid medicine to reduce swelling and help nerves work better
- medicines called disease-modifying therapies to reduce how many relapses you have and how serious they are
- muscle relaxant medicine to help relieve muscle spasms, cramps or stiffness
- medicine to treat pain, vision problems and other symptoms
Treatment and support for symptoms of MS
You'll also be offered treatment and support for the symptoms of MS. Every person's needs will be different depending on their symptoms.
Support you might need may include:
- advice about how to manage tiredness (fatigue)
- physiotherapy and exercises to help with movement problems and muscle pain
- mobility equipment (including walking sticks, frames and wheelchairs) and home adaptations (such as stair lifts or railings) to help you with day-to-day activities
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with anxiety, depression and fatigue
- activities to improve your memory, concentration, thinking and mood (cognitive rehabilitation)
- advice, exercises and medicines to help with bowel or bladder problems
- advice and treatments for sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, low sex drive (loss of libido) or difficulty reaching orgasm
How multiple sclerosis (MS) affects your life
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is different for everyone. No one can predict how much your MS might affect you.
For some people, MS only has a small impact on daily life which means you can continue with your work and usual activities.
Others have more severe symptoms which can have a much bigger impact.
MS symptoms can affect mobility, and you may need to adapt your life by using mobility aids, reducing working hours or needing more help around the home.
MS treatments are improving, so if you're diagnosed with MS today you can expect a better quality of life than was possible before.
Most people with MS live into old age although life expectancy, on average, is a few years less than the general population.
Causes of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) happens when your immune system attacks your brain and nerves. It's not clear what causes this.
You might be more likely to get MS if:
- you're aged 20 to 50
- you're a woman – women are more likely than men to get MS
- you have a brother, sister or parent who has MS
- you smoke – people who smoke are about twice as likely to develop MS
- you've had the Epstein-Barr virus (a common virus that causes illnesses such as glandular fever)
Help and support for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a difficult condition to live with, both physically and emotionally.
As well as support from your doctor and MS nurse, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with MS, either at a local support group or online.
There are also national charities that can offer support and information about MS.
Information and support for anyone affected by MS.
- Website: www.mssociety.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 800 8000
- MS Society: local support groups
- MS Society: community forum
- MS Society: virtual support events
Information and support for anyone affected by MS.
Information and emotional support for anyone affected by MS.