Lead #3475

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account Get involved Fundraise Stop MS Appeal Team Stop MS Add bookmark Team Stop MS We’ve got a plan to stop MS for good, and we need you on our team. Together we need to raise £100 million – and the good news is we're already over halfway there. Join #TeamStopMS today, and fund life-changing research. Join Team Stop MS Start taking action now Ready to take action? There's loads of of ways to be part of Team Stop MS: Start fundraising for vital MS research Donate to help stop MS Spread the word about #TeamStopMS on social media Donate to support MS research The next research breakthrough is in reach Donate now Find out more What is MS? What's happening in your body when you have MS? Read about the science and learn about some of the possible causes of MS. Find out more about MS Stop MS Appeal We believe £100 million could take us to a future where no one has to worry about their MS getting worse. But we can't do it without your support. Read about our Stop MS Appeal Get involved your way By 2025, we want to be in the final stages of testing treatments for everyone with MS. But we can only do it together. What will you do to help #StopMS? Get involved your way How I raised money to help stop MS "Taking part in My MS Walk meant that when I was feeling up to it I could go for daily strolls. And at the same time I could raise awareness about MS and raise money for the MS Society" Charlene was diagnosed with MS in 2008. Last year she held her own MS Walk to help raise money to stop MS. Find out Charlene's story, and her tips for holding your own My MS Walk. Read Charlene's story What Team Stop MS means to me "If we could find treatments to stop MS from progressing so that people like my son wouldn’t have to worry anymore, then that would be amazing." John was diagnosed with MS in 1990. A few years ago his son was also diagnosed. Read John's story, and find out what stopping MS means to him. Read John's story Fundraise to stop MS Cake Break Join your friends and family online for a virtual cake break. Raise dough to help stop MS while you enjoy your home-baked or hand-picked treats! MS Walk 2025 Walk, roll or stroll to stop MS. Donate to help stop MS £30 could process one blood sample One single blood sample could give researchers crucial information about genes and the immune system as they search for new treatments. I want to donate £30 £50 could pay for an hour on a microscope Scientists use high powered microscopes to study cells and tissue in greater detail and improve their understanding of the biology of MS. I want to donate £50 £100 could pay for half an hour of MRI use MRI scanning is a crucial technique used to monitor the success of clinical trials and understand MS in more detail. I want to donate £100 How we'll use your money We'll use the money raised and donated by Team Stop MS members where it's needed most. It’ll help fund vital research and support people living with MS. Spread the word on social media Could you spread the word about our Stop MS Appeal on your social media channels? We've made these banners and graphics you can download and use to tell everyone: it's time to stop MS. Don't forget to tag our accounts so we can send you a virtual high five! Team Stop MS banners and grapics Facebook Facebook cover with dog Facebook cover with balloons Pale blue Facebook cover Team Stop MS balloons Lilac Team Stop MS Team Stop MS with clappers Twitter Twitter cover with balloons Twitter cover with dogs Pale blue Twitter cover Team Stop MS with clappers Pale blue Team Stop MS Team Stop MS dog YouTube Lilac YouTube banner Orange YouTube banner Pale blue YouTube banner Instagram Team Stop MS with clappers Orange Team Stop MS Linkedin Lilac Team Stop MS Orange Team Stop MS Pale blue Team Stop MS You may also be interested in Philanthropy When you invest in us you’ll be joining us on a journey to make sure everyone affected by MS can live life to the full. Your philanthropic gift will help us to be there for more people with MS, their families and friends. Stop MS Giving Club Become part of a revolutionary group of individuals leading our mission to fund ground-breaking research to help stop MS. Three steps to stop MS MS researchers are working on three ways to slow or stop MS progression: preventing immune damage, promoting myelin repair, and protecting nerves from damage. We believe if we achieve these goals, we can stop MS. For you For you is your personal space on our website where you choose what you see and when you see it. Give in other ways There's lots of ways to fundraise to stop MS, and some of them won't cost you a penny. Get involved Join the UK's biggest MS community. Together our voices are louder, and we can fight harder for everyone affected by MS in the UK. The next research breakthrough is in reach How much would you like to donate? £20 £50 £100 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"91","entityUuid":"8bea703a-59f2-4ddb-b4a7-aa2e0cfbf9fc","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"2941","entityTitle":"Team Stop MS","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"241":"Stop MS"},"location":{"851":"England"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About us Contact us Add bookmark Contact us Get in touch to find out more about what we do, or to chat about MS Question about what we do? To talk to someone about: volunteering with us your donation our fundraising events your MS Matters subscription changing how we contact you Contact our Supporter Care team on 0300 500 8084, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Write to us: MS Society, 8 City North Place, London, N4 3FU Or email [email protected] Want to chat about MS? For a confidential chat about anything MS, or information on: MS symptoms and diagnosis MS research MS legal advice disability benefits what services are available to you, locally and nationally Freephone our MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000, Monday to Friday 9am-7pm Or email [email protected] Our national offices Scotland Find out about our work in Scotland - from campaigning to fundraising and local support. Get in touch with our Scotland team Northern Ireland Find out about our work in Northern Ireland - from campaigning to fundraising and local support. Get in touch with our Northern Ireland office Wales Find out about our work in Wales - from campaigning to fundraising and local support. Get in touch with our Wales office Cymru Dysgwch am ein gwaith yng Nghymru - o ymgyrchu i godi arian a chymorth lleol. Cysylltwch â swyddfa ein cymru England Email us at [email protected] or call 020 8438 0700. Write to us: MS Society, 8 City North Place, London, N4 3FU. Get in touch with our London office Do you have a comment, compliment or complaint? If you'd like to send us a comment, compliment or complaint, please contact us by filling in our contact us form. Read our complaints policy. You may also be interested in MS Matters magazine Subscribe to our print magazine for just £5 a year – and get it delivered straight to your door. Press office We offer journalists information on MS research, health and social care policy, campaigns and fundraising events and the impact of living with MS. Campaign with us Too many people affected by MS in the UK have to fight for the treatments, services, care and support they need. Our campaigns help change that. Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"16","entityUuid":"be3e8462-b136-4b4a-8da5-c0ab1013b7dc","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"1541","entityTitle":"Contact us","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5506":"About us"},"location":{"871":"UK wide"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About us Contact us Add bookmark Contact us Get in touch to find out more about what we do, or to chat about MS Question about what we do? To talk to someone about: volunteering with us your donation our fundraising events your MS Matters subscription changing how we contact you Contact our Supporter Care team on 0300 500 8084, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Write to us: MS Society, 8 City North Place, London, N4 3FU Or email [email protected] Want to chat about MS? For a confidential chat about anything MS, or information on: MS symptoms and diagnosis MS research MS legal advice disability benefits what services are available to you, locally and nationally Freephone our MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000, Monday to Friday 9am-7pm Or email [email protected] Our national offices Scotland Find out about our work in Scotland - from campaigning to fundraising and local support. Get in touch with our Scotland team Northern Ireland Find out about our work in Northern Ireland - from campaigning to fundraising and local support. Get in touch with our Northern Ireland office Wales Find out about our work in Wales - from campaigning to fundraising and local support. Get in touch with our Wales office Cymru Dysgwch am ein gwaith yng Nghymru - o ymgyrchu i godi arian a chymorth lleol. Cysylltwch â swyddfa ein cymru England Email us at [email protected] or call 020 8438 0700. Write to us: MS Society, 8 City North Place, London, N4 3FU. Get in touch with our London office Do you have a comment, compliment or complaint? If you'd like to send us a comment, compliment or complaint, please contact us by filling in our contact us form. Read our complaints policy. You may also be interested in MS Matters magazine Subscribe to our print magazine for just £5 a year – and get it delivered straight to your door. Press office We offer journalists information on MS research, health and social care policy, campaigns and fundraising events and the impact of living with MS. Campaign with us Too many people affected by MS in the UK have to fight for the treatments, services, care and support they need. Our campaigns help change that. Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"16","entityUuid":"be3e8462-b136-4b4a-8da5-c0ab1013b7dc","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"1541","entityTitle":"Contact us","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5506":"About us"},"location":{"871":"UK wide"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About us Jobs Add bookmark Jobs Search our jobs Job type Job types (all)Fixed termFull-timeHome basedInterimInternshipPart-timeJob types (all) Fixed term Full-time Home based Interim Internship Part-time Locations Locations (all)UK wideEnglandNorthern IrelandScotlandWalesOverseasLocations (all) UK wide England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Overseas Search 0 results found 0 results found Find us on LinkedIn Stay up to date with our latest vacancies and news Link with us What it's like to work here Add bookmark A job with a sense of purpose Danielle joined us in 2008 and has been our Governance Manager since 2019. In this blog, she talks about the different roles she's had here, and how she balances work with managing her MS. Add bookmark Introducing our Regional Development Officers Gina’s one of our Regional Development Officers. She explains how she can help health and social care professionals develop services in her region - to meet the needs of people with MS. We’ve got people doing work like Gina across the UK. Add bookmark I’m proud of who I am and what I do Both living with MS and being queer can be a lonely journey at times, but during LGBTQIA+ Pride month I’m constantly reminded that I’m not alone. You may also be interested in Our people Together we're researching, fundraising, campaigning and fighting to stop MS. A job with a sense of purpose Danielle joined us in 2008 and has been our Governance Manager since 2019. In this blog, she talks about the different roles she's had here, and how she balances work with managing her MS. What's different about working with us? We offer great benefits and huge scope for development. But what is it that makes us stand out from other charities? Read about all the excellent benefits of working at the MS Society. Our LGBTQIA+ community and MS healthcare Find out how our LGBTQIA+ MS community experiences MS healthcare, and what we're doing. Proud Pride JJ reflects on what pride means to her. During Pride month and every day. About us We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, volunteers and fundraisers. We understand what life’s like with MS, and we support each other through the highs, lows and everything in between. And we’re driving research into more – and better – treatments. For everyone. Together, we are strong enough to stop MS. Learn more about us Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"16","entityUuid":"f42347a0-d11f-472e-a3a7-ec4b8bf56d72","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"1536","entityTitle":"Jobs","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5506":"About us"},"location":{"851":"England"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account Supporting someone with MS Add bookmark Supporting someone with MS Are you a family member, friend, carer or health professional who supports someone living with MS? We’ve got resources to support you too. If you’re a family member or friend of someone with MS you may not consider yourself a ‘carer’, but using that term can help you get support. We’ve got information on things like your legal rights at work, getting financial support, and looking after yourself as well. If you're a health or social care professional our resources include training, the latest evidence and MS news. Last full review: 1 October 2023Next review date: 1 October 2026 We also update when we know about important changes. Find out how we keep our information up to date Questions about MS? Contact our MS Helpline In this section Support for family, friends and carers Most people with MS will need support from family and friends at some point. If you care for someone with MS we can help. Experts in MS: Professional network A network for everyone who works with people with MS. Discover information, research, evidence and innovative ideas to support your work - developed with and by professionals. Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now This information carries the PiF Tick stamp of approval The PiF Tick shows our information is accurate, reliable and easy to use. Read more about the PiF Tick and why you can trust our information Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"51","entityUuid":"51c0925d-9b94-464d-a4f6-38ce37a039ca","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"59856","entityTitle":"Supporting someone with MS ","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"interest":{"5591":"Friends and family"},"location":{"871":"UK wide"},"support_for_carers":{"5396":"Supporting someone who has MS"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account Early signs of MS Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom of MS for one person may never be experienced by someone else. That’s why it’s best to make an appointment with your GP about any symptom that worries you. About MS Signs and symptoms Early signs of MS Add bookmark What are usually the first signs and symptoms of MS? There's no typical pattern of MS symptoms that applies to everyone - people can have different symptoms at different times. The early signs and symptoms of MS can be the same for women and men. One of the more obvious first signs of MS is a problem with vision, known as optic neuritis. This is often because it's a more concrete symptom as opposed to vaguer neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling. You shouldn't assume these symptoms are a sign of MS though - not everyone who experiences them will get an MS diagnosis. If you've searched for symptoms online or you know someone with MS, it may be at the front of your mind. But many symptoms of MS can also be symptoms of other conditions. What are some of the common symptoms of MS? Some of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are listed below. There are lots of symptoms that MS can cause, but not everyone will experience all of them. fatigue numbness and tingling loss of balance and dizziness stiffness or spasms tremor pain bladder problems bowel trouble vision problems problems with memory and thinking Fatigue Fatigue in MS is not just an ordinary tiredness, like you might get at the end of a hard day's work. People describe it as an overwhelming sense of tiredness with no obvious cause. Read more about fatigue Numbness and tingling A common type of discomfort in MS is unpleasant, unusual sensations that appear to be in your skin, like numbness and tingling. They're caused by damage to nerves. Read more about pain and unpleasant sensations Loss of balance and dizziness Problems with balance and feeling dizzy are common in MS, and can affect your walking. Read more about balance and dizziness Stiffness or spasms Muscle stiffness and spasms are common MS symptoms, and are often described as 'spasticity'. Read more about stiffness and spasms Tremor A tremor is a trembling or shaking movement. It can be mild or more pronounced, causing a drink to spill when a cup is full, for example, or affecting handwriting. Read more about tremor Pain Pain in MS can take many different and unusual forms. It can be caused by direct nerve damage. Or it can come from your symptoms and strains they place on your body. Read more about pain Bladder problems There are two main types of bladder problems in MS: problems with storage and problems with emptying. Read more about bladder problems Bowel trouble MS can cause bowel problems like constipation and incontinence. Read more about bowel problems Vision problems The most common problems with vision in MS are optic neuritis and eye movement problems. Optic neuritis is often an early symptom of multiple sclerosis, although you might have problems with your eyes at any time. Read more about vision Memory and thinking Problems with memory and thinking - also called 'cognitive problems' - can affect people with MS, but most people will be affected mildly. Read more about memory and thinking What age does MS usually start? In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. How does multiple sclerosis begin? Multiple sclerosis is likely to begin due to a mix of factors – something in your environment and some lifestyle factors. No one knows for sure why people get MS. Read more about the possible causes of MS How is MS diagnosed? Only a neurologist can diagnose MS. If your GP thinks your symptoms need further investigation, they'll refer you to a specialist. Some people describe this period of time as 'limbo' - where they don't have a diagnosis but they're experiencing symptoms. Read more about getting a diagnosis and coping during this time Share this page Show social social options Download our information booklets Donate to support MS research The next research breakthrough is in reach Donate now You may also be interested in Before diagnosis Due to its complexity and variety of symptoms, MS is not easy to diagnose. Get information and advice about what you can do and who you can talk to. Find out about the journey to diagnosis First questions Get answers to some of the questions you might have about MS and find out how it might affect your life. First questions about MS How is MS diagnosed There's a range of tests a neurologist will use to find out if you have MS or not. Find out more about neurological examination, MRI scanning and other tests to diagnose MS. Read more about the tests for MS Eyes and sight Many people with MS have trouble with their vision. Read about optic neuritis and problems with eye movement and how to manage them. Read more about vision problems Memory and thinking Problems with memory and thinking can affect people with MS, but most people will be affected mildly. Find out more about cognitive issues and get tips on managing them. More on memory and thinking Fatigue Fatigue - an overwhelming tiredness - is one of the most common invisible symptoms of MS. Some people find that it's the symptom that affects them most, but there are ways to manage it and minimise its effects on your life. Read more about fatigue Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"91","entityUuid":"f3e67441-5e1f-49e1-a3fa-d9793738334f","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"page","entityId":"1641","entityTitle":"Early signs of MS","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"interest":{"5596":"Pre-diagnosis\/newly diagnosed"},"location":{"871":"UK wide"},"symptoms":{"4961":"Early signs of MS"},"topics":{"4801":"early signs of ms"},"ms_types":{"2231":"Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account Living with MS Treatments and therapies Add bookmark MS treatments and therapies There are lots of different ways to manage MS. They include drug treatments, exercise, diet and other lifestyle changes. It’s best to get advice on your multiple sclerosis treatment with a specialist, like a neurologist. An MS nurse can discuss treatment for MS generally, but only an MS specialist can advise you and prescribe many of the treatments. The types of treatments and therapies that could benefit you will depend on the type of MS you’re diagnosed with and your symptoms. What are the treatments for MS? Although there’s no cure for MS, there are lots of ways to manage the condition. Some therapies and treatments for MS treat the symptoms. For instance, you might have physiotherapy to help you improve your strength and mobility. Others, such as disease moderating therapies (DMTs), including HSCT (haematopoietic stem cell transplantation), manage MS itself. There are around twenty DMTs licensed to treat relapsing remitting MS and some forms of progressive MS. Taking one can mean you get fewer, and less serious, relapses. They can also slow down how fast your MS gets worse. Lots of people with MS find it useful to actively manage their health in other ways, like through diet, exercise or giving up smoking. It’s best to get advice on multiple sclerosis treatment with a specialist, like a neurologist. An MS nurse can discuss treatment for MS generally, but only an MS specialist can advise and prescribe many of the treatments. The types of treatments and therapies that can help l will depend on the type of MS and the symptoms. What are the treatments for MS? Although there’s no cure for MS, there are lots of ways to manage the condition. Some therapies and treatments for MS treat the symptoms. For instance, physiotherapy might to help improve strength and mobility. Others, such as disease modifying therapies (DMTs), manage MS itself. There are around twenty DMTs licensed to treat relapsing remitting MS and some forms of progressive MS. Taking one can mean fewer, and less serious, relapses. They can also slow down how fast the MS gets worse. Lots of people with MS find it useful to actively manage their health in other ways, like through diet, exercise or giving up smoking. It’s best to get advice on your multiple sclerosis treatment with a specialist, like a neurologist. An MS nurse can discuss treatment for MS generally, but only an MS specialist can advise you and prescribe many of the treatments. The types of treatments and therapies that could benefit you will depend on your type of MS and your symptoms. What are the treatments for relapsing remitting MS? For relapsing remitting MS, your MS specialist may recommend a disease modifying therapy (DMT). There are around twenty DMTs licensed to treat relapsing MS. Taking one can mean you get fewer, and less serious, relapses. They can also slow down how fast your MS gets worse. There are also therapies and treatments that treat the symptoms of MS. For instance, you might have physiotherapy to help you improve your strength and mobility. Lots of people with MS also find it useful to actively manage their health in other ways, like through diet, exercise or giving up smoking. What are the treatments for other types of MS? Most DMTs only work for relapsing remitting MS. There are a few DMTs suitable for treating some forms of progressive MS. And there are currently several drugs in trial that may be able to help people with progressive MS. It’s best to get advice on your multiple sclerosis treatment with a specialist, like a neurologist. An MS nurse can discuss treatment for MS generally, but only an MS specialist can advise you and prescribe many of the treatments. The types of treatments and therapies that could benefit you will depend on your type of MS and your symptoms. What treatments are there for primary progressive MS? Although there’s no cure for primary progressive MS, there are lots of ways to manage the condition. Some therapies and treatments treat the symptoms. For instance, you might have physiotherapy to help you improve your strength and mobility. If you have early primary progressive MS, then you might be eligible for a type of disease modifying therapy (DMT) called ocrelizumab (Ocrevus). It can slow down disease progression and disability. Ocrelizumab is recommended for people with primary progressive MS on the NHS as long as: your MRI scans show signs of inflammation you have a score on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 3.0 and 6.5. A score of 6.5 means you need two walking aids – such as canes or crutches – to walk 20 metres without having a rest. People aren’t given DMTs, including ocrelizumab, if they’ve been using a wheelchair for at least six months. This is because there’s not enough evidence at the moment that DMTs will make enough difference to their MS your MS started within the last 10 years (if your EDSS score is 5 or under) or the last 15 years (if your score is over 5). A score of 5 means disability gets in the way of your daily activities but you can walk without an aid for 200 metres. A DMT called HSCT might also be able to slow down primary progressive MS which still has active inflammation (either relapses or lesions on an MRI). HSCT is unlikely to help if you have advanced progressive MS and you're no longer having relapses or signs of inflammation on an MRI. Lots of people with MS also find it useful to actively manage their health in other ways, like through diet, exercise or giving up smoking. Researchers are working hard to find effective treatments for people with progressive MS. Read more on what we’re doing about progressive MS What treatments are there for other types of MS? There are around twenty DMTs licensed to treat relapsing remitting MS. Taking one can mean fewer, and less serious, relapses. They can also slow down how fast MS gets worse. One of these DMTs, siponimod (Mayzent), can also help some people with active secondary progressive MS. It’s best to get advice on your multiple sclerosis treatment with a specialist, like a neurologist. An MS nurse can discuss treatment for MS generally, but only an MS specialist can advise you and prescribe many of the treatments. The types of treatments and therapies that could benefit you will depend on your type of MS and your symptoms. What are the treatments for secondary progressive MS? Although there’s no cure for secondary progressive MS, there are lots of ways to manage the condition. Some therapies and treatments for MS treat the symptoms. For instance, you might have physiotherapy to help you improve your strength and mobility. There’s also a disease modifying therapy (DMT) called siponimod (Mayzent) that’s suitable for some people with secondary progressive MS who still get the occasional relapse. Or if you’ve had MRI scans showing inflammation in the brain or spine. FFor this kind of ‘active’ secondary progressive MS, siponimod could slow down how fast symptoms or disability get worse. If you have active secondary progressive MS, another DMT called HSCT might also be able to help you. But HSCT is rarely offered on the NHS to people with secondary progressive MS. And it’s unlikely to help people with advanced MS. > Learn more about active MS There are also several drugs currently being tested to see if they can help everyone with secondary progressive MS. These include drugs to repair myelin, protect nerves, or slow down progressive MS that’s not active. Lots of people with MS also find it useful to manage their health in other ways, like through diet, exercise or giving up smoking. What are the treatments for other types of MS? There are around twenty DMTs licensed to treat relapsing remitting MS. Taking one can mean fewer, and less serious, relapses. They can also slow down how fast the MS gets worse. One of these DMTs, ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), can also be prescribed for some people with early primary progressive MS who meet some other criteria. HSCT might also be able to slow down primary progressive MS which still has active inflammation (either relapses or lesions on an MRI). It’s best to get advice on your multiple sclerosis treatment with a specialist, like a neurologist. An MS nurse can discuss treatment for MS generally, but only an MS specialist can advise you and prescribe many of the treatments. The types of treatments and therapies that may be beneficial for you will depend on your type of MS and your symptoms. What are the treatments for MS? Although there’s no cure for MS, there are lots of ways to manage the condition. Some therapies and treatments for MS treat the symptoms. For instance, you might need physiotherapy to help you improve your strength and mobility. Others, such as disease modifying therapies (DMTs), including HSCT (haematopoietic stem cell transplantation ), manage MS itself. There are around twenty DMTs licensed to treat relapsing remitting MS, and some forms of progressive MS. Taking one can mean you get fewer, and less serious, relapses. They can also slow down how fast your MS gets worse. Lots of people with MS find it useful to actively manage their health in other ways, like through diet, exercise or giving up smoking. Personalisation interests form Accept cookies to choose personalised content Learn more about our cookies and how to clear them in our cookie policy Manage cookies DMT decision tool Explore DMT options and prepare for conversations with health professionals. Try the DMT decision tool DMT decision tool Explore your DMT options and prepare for conversations with health professionals. Try the DMT decision tool Treating progressive MS There are now disease modifying therapies (DMTs) available for some people with progressive MS. Read more about treating progressive MS Treating progressive MS There are now disease modifying therapies (DMTs) available for some people with progressive MS. Read more about treating progressive MS DMT decision tool Explore your DMT options and prepare for conversations with health professionals. Try the DMT decision tool DMT decision tool Explore your DMT options and prepare for conversations with health professionals. Try the DMT decision tool Explore ways to manage MS Getting treatment for MS You have the right to ask about getting treatment for MS. This is true no matter what kind of MS you have - or how long you've had it. Find out more. Disease modifying therapies Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce how many MS relapses someone has and how serious they are. Find out more about the different options. HSCT for MS HSCT is an intense chemotherapy treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Find out more about who HSCT can work for and how it works. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis A physiotherapist works with people with MS to assess physical difficulties and help improve movement and other functions of the body. Cannabis for MS Find out more about different types of cannabis that can be used to treat MS, it's effects, latest research into cannabis and MS, and your legal position. Alternative therapies for MS Complementary and alternative therapies for MS are health-related therapies and disciplines that are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care. Find out more Explore ways to manage relapsing remitting MS Getting treatment for MS You have the right to ask about getting treatment for MS. This is true no matter what kind of MS you have - or how long you've had it. Find out more. Disease modifying therapies Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce how many MS relapses someone has and how serious they are. Find out more about the different options. HSCT for MS HSCT is an intense chemotherapy treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Find out more about who HSCT can work for and how it works. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis A physiotherapist works with people with MS to assess physical difficulties and help improve movement and other functions of the body. Cannabis for MS Find out more about different types of cannabis that can be used to treat MS, it's effects, latest research into cannabis and MS, and your legal position. Alternative therapies for MS Complementary and alternative therapies for MS are health-related therapies and disciplines that are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care. Find out more Explore ways to manage secondary progressive MS Getting treatment for MS You have the right to ask about getting treatment for MS. This is true no matter what kind of MS you have - or how long you've had it. Find out more. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis A physiotherapist works with people with MS to assess physical difficulties and help improve movement and other functions of the body. Alternative therapies for MS Complementary and alternative therapies for MS are health-related therapies and disciplines that are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care. Find out more Cannabis for MS Find out more about different types of cannabis that can be used to treat MS, it's effects, latest research into cannabis and MS, and your legal position. Disease modifying therapies Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce how many MS relapses someone has and how serious they are. Find out more about the different options. HSCT for MS HSCT is an intense chemotherapy treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Find out more about who HSCT can work for and how it works. Explore ways to manage primary progressive MS Getting treatment for MS You have the right to ask about getting treatment for MS. This is true no matter what kind of MS you have - or how long you've had it. Find out more. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis A physiotherapist works with people with MS to assess physical difficulties and help improve movement and other functions of the body. Alternative therapies for MS Complementary and alternative therapies for MS are health-related therapies and disciplines that are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care. Find out more Cannabis for MS Find out more about different types of cannabis that can be used to treat MS, it's effects, latest research into cannabis and MS, and your legal position. Disease modifying therapies Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce how many MS relapses someone has and how serious they are. Find out more about the different options. HSCT for MS HSCT is an intense chemotherapy treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Find out more about who HSCT can work for and how it works. Explore ways to manage MS Getting treatment for MS You have the right to ask about getting treatment for MS. This is true no matter what kind of MS you have - or how long you've had it. Find out more. Disease modifying therapies Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce how many MS relapses someone has and how serious they are. Find out more about the different options. HSCT for MS HSCT is an intense chemotherapy treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Find out more about who HSCT can work for and how it works. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis A physiotherapist works with people with MS to assess physical difficulties and help improve movement and other functions of the body. Cannabis for MS Find out more about different types of cannabis that can be used to treat MS, it's effects, latest research into cannabis and MS, and your legal position. Alternative therapies for MS Complementary and alternative therapies for MS are health-related therapies and disciplines that are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care. Find out more Explore ways to manage MS Getting treatment for MS You have the right to ask about getting treatment for MS. This is true no matter what kind of MS you have - or how long you've had it. Find out more. Disease modifying therapies Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce how many MS relapses someone has and how serious they are. Find out more about the different options. HSCT for MS HSCT is an intense chemotherapy treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Find out more about who HSCT can work for and how it works. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis A physiotherapist works with people with MS to assess physical difficulties and help improve movement and other functions of the body. Cannabis for MS Find out more about different types of cannabis that can be used to treat MS, it's effects, latest research into cannabis and MS, and your legal position. Alternative therapies for MS Complementary and alternative therapies for MS are health-related therapies and disciplines that are not considered to be part of mainstream medical care. Find out more Disease modifying treatment (DMT) decision tool If there’s a suitable MS treatment available, research shows its best to start as soon as possible after diagnosis. There’s a wide range of DMTs for MS available on the NHS. Each has a different combination of benefits and risks. Use our tool to explore your DMT options and prepare for conversations with healthcare professionals. Use our DMT decision tool Disease modifying treatment (DMT) decision tool There’s a wide range of DMTs available on the NHS. Each has a different combination of benefits and risks. Use our tool to explore your DMT options and prepare for conversations with healthcare professionals. Use our DMT decision tool Disease modifying treatment (DMT) decision tool There’s a wide range of DMTs available on the NHS, including treatment for some people with secondary progressive MS. Each DMT has a different combination of benefits and risks. Use our tool to explore your options and prepare for conversations with healthcare professionals. Use our DMT decision tool Disease modifying treatment (DMT) decision tool There’s a wide range of DMTs available on the NHS, including treatment for some people with primary progressive MS. Each DMT has a different combination of benefits and risks. Use our tool to explore your options and prepare for conversations with healthcare professionals. Use our DMT decision tool Disease modifying treatment (DMT) decision tool There’s a wide range of DMTs available on the NHS. Each has a different combination of benefits and risks. If someone you know has MS, this tool is a handy way to explore DMT options and prepare for conversations with healthcare professionals. Use our DMT decision tool Disease modifying treatment (DMT) decision tool There’s a wide range of DMTs available on the NHS. Each has a different combination of benefits and risks. Use our tool to explore your DMT options and prepare for conversations with healthcare professionals. Use our DMT tool Find events near you MS Walk 2025 Walk, roll or stroll to stop MS. Bike the UK for MS Wednesday 9 July 2025, 11:00am Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026 The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the ultimate Scottish running experience. It's the fastest and second-largest marathon in the UK. Saturday 23 May 2026, 8:00am MS living well virtual book club Join us for our peer-led monthly book club and connect with others from across the UK living with MS. Thursday 30 October 2025, 7:30pm Progressive forms of MS peer group This peer group session is for people living with a progressive form of MS. Come along to meet others, chat and share. Tuesday 18 November 2025, 6:00pm Move more with MS session This is an opportunity to discuss the benefits of keeping active, connect with others and share and learn in a safe and informal space. Monday 17 November 2025, 6:00pm Load more Tailored for you Close modal Accept cookies to set your location. Learn how in our cookie policy Helpful resources on diagnosis and more Whether you're looking to learn more about MS diagnosis, treatments, or care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for secondary progressive MS We have a range of booklets and factsheets packed full of useful information if you’re living with secondary progressive MS. From understanding progressive MS to managing symptoms and getting support. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for relapsing MS Whether you're looking to learn more about relapsing remitting MS, treatments, or care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for primary progressive MS We have a range of booklets and factsheets packed full of useful information if you’re living with primary progressive MS. From understanding progressive MS to managing symptoms and getting support. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for friends, family and carers Learn more about MS symptoms and treatment, supporting someone with MS and looking after yourself as a carer. Our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips on living well with MS. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Make a donation So we can fund more groundbreaking research into stopping MS. And keep on offering emotional support and practical advice to everyone affected by MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation Getting to grips with MS can be a rollercoaster. Help us be there for everyone going through diagnosis. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Donate to fund vital MS research Help us fund research projects into new treatments for primary progressive MS. Together, we can stop MS for everyone. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation Your donation helps us provide support and advice for everyone affected by MS. And funds research into new treatments for progressive MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Help us support the MS community Your donations mean we can be there for everyone through the ups and downs of life with MS. With information, emotional support and practical advice. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"31","entityUuid":"5006038e-48e1-4aa8-9db0-348f718e03e2","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"71","entityTitle":"MS treatments and therapies","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"location":{"851":"England"},"topics":{"4821":"choosing a treatment"},"supp":{"4901":"Treatment","4886":"Treatments for MS"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account Is there a cure for MS? Although there is no cure for MS, we can see a future where people can live free from its effects and not worry about their MS getting worse. About MS Is there a cure for MS? Add bookmark There are now a number of health conditions - like rheumatoid arthritis or Type 1 diabetes – where there are no cures. But the experience of life for people with these conditions has radically changed, thanks to the development of new treatments. Over the past 20 years MS research has led to major advances in treatments. Today there are around 20 licensed treatments for people with relapsing MS, and a small number for a minority of people with progressive MS. We now know enough about what goes wrong in MS, to know what needs to be done to develop treatments to stop it.The treatments that do exist work on one aspect of MS: inflammation. We're now investigating treatments that repair myelin - the fatty layer surrounding our nerves that is damaged in MS. And treatments that protect our nerves from more damage. What progress have we made? Up to now, we've used our expanding knowledge of the immune system to help people with relapsing MS. We couldn't do the same for people with progressive MS because, until very recently, we didn't have all the information about why it happens. In the last few years, research has transformed our understanding of progression. So developing treatments that slow or stop disability is now a very real prospect. Two major discoveries brought us to this point: 1. Myelin repair is possible When myelin is damaged it limits messages from the brain and spinal cord getting to the rest of the body. It also exposes the underlying nerve fibres to damage. Myelin repair treatments could get nerves working again, prevent permanent damage, and help recovery. Researchers have started early clinical trials of treatments and are working to identify others. Thanks to investment from us, the UK is a world leader in myelin repair research. 2. Protecting nerve cells is key to slowing progression Once a nerve cell is damaged it can’t be replaced. So to slow or stop progression in MS we need to develop treatments that protect the nerves from more damage. In 2017 we co-funded the multi-million pound MS-STAT2 trial, which could deliver the first ever neuroprotective treatment for MS. In 2021, the trial completed recruitment, and we should have the results by 2025. What's next? We're going to keep on funding groundbreaking research including MS-STAT2 and other ground-breaking clinical trials like ChariotMS and Octopus, until we achieve our goal: everyone living their lives free from the effects of MS. Your support makes everything we do possible. Together we can stop MS. Donate now to help us stop MS Over the past 20 years, MS research has led to major advances in treatment development. No other neurological condition has made such great strides in developing treatments. Prof Jeremy Chataway, neurologist, and MS researcher Share this page Show social social options Donate to support MS research The next research breakthrough is in reach Donate now You may also be interested in MS treatments and therapies There are lots of ways to manage MS. Find out about drug treatments, diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies. What causes MS? The causes of MS are likely to be a mix of genes, something in your environment and lifestyle factors. Read on to find out the potential causes of MS. Explore our research In today’s money, we've invested over £260 million in research since 1956. MS research is my beacon of hope Annabelle was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2011. She was the first person to join the first stage of a myelin repair trial we’re funding. What's it like taking part in MS research? We asked a few people with MS what motivated them to take part in some of our research studies and what their experience was like. How getting active helped me after my MS diagnosis Phoebe was scared of doing exercise at first. But with the help of Noodle the sausage dog she’s got her confidence back. The next research breakthrough is in reach How much would you like to donate? £20 £50 £100 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"91","entityUuid":"713fea23-3092-4fe8-bd4f-591c91d524d6","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"page","entityId":"1596","entityTitle":"Is there a cure for MS?","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"interest":{"5596":"Pre-diagnosis\/newly diagnosed"},"location":{"851":"England"},"supp":{"4886":"Treatments for MS"},"what_is_ms":{"5421":"Facts about MS"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About MS Diagnosis Add bookmark MS diagnosis Diagnosing multiple sclerosis isn't easy. It's a complex condition with many different symptoms. Tests for MS could include blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But if you think you might have MS, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. It's hard to pinpoint exactly when MS begins, and the early signs and symptoms are different for everyone. It is not uncommon for a diagnosis to take several months, and frustratingly it can take even longer. Your health team will need to explore other possible causes for your symptoms and carry out many different tests. What should I do if I think I have MS? Most people who have unexplained symptoms won't have MS. But if you're worried you might have MS, your GP should be your first port of call. Questions about MS? Call our MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000. MS Helpline opening hours In this section Early signs of MS MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom for one person may never be experienced by someone else. Worried you have MS? MS is complex, and not easy to diagnose. Find out who you can talk to and how to get support while you're going through a diagnosis. How is MS diagnosed? Find out about the tests neurologists use to diagnose MS, including neurological examination, MRI and lumbar puncture. Find support near you Our local groups are starting to meet face-to-face again. We've made sure any activities can happen in a COVID-safe way. Each group will go at their own pace, and you'll still find lots happening online. From coffee mornings to online yoga classes – put in your postcode to find out what's near you. Search location Go Helpful resources From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips on living well with MS. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"31","entityUuid":"c9a361df-4909-476b-8b62-6d9183bce225","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"61","entityTitle":"MS diagnosis","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"diagnosis":{"5001":"Before diagnosis","5011":"Early signs of MS","5006":"How is MS diagnosed"},"interest":{"5596":"Pre-diagnosis\/newly diagnosed"},"location":{"851":"England"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About MS Types of MS Add bookmark Types of MS There are three main types of MS – relapsing remitting, primary progressive and secondary progressive. MS affects everyone differently. Even if you have the same type of MS as someone else, you probably won't experience the same symptoms in the same way. Personalisation interests form Accept cookies to choose personalised content Learn more about our cookies and how to clear them in our cookie policy Manage cookies In this section Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) In relapsing remitting MS, people have distinct attacks of symptoms which then fade away either partially or completely. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) Secondary progressive MS is a stage of MS which comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people. With this type of MS your disability gets steadily worse. Find out more about what changes might happen. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) When people are diagnosed with MS, about 10 to 15% get a diagnosis of primary progressive MS. It has this name because from the first (primary) symptoms it is progressive. Symptoms gradually get worse over time, rather than appearing as sudden attacks (relapses). Active MS and MS with progression As well as the main types of multiple sclerosis (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive), doctors and researchers might use other words to describe it. They may say that MS is one of the following: active, not active, with progression, without progression. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a one-off attack of symptoms like the ones people with MS get. Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) You might be diagnosed with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) if an MRI scan of your brain or spinal cord shows damage that looks like MS. But you haven’t noticed any MS-like symptoms. Benign MS Looking back at their MS over several years, some people are told they have benign MS. A diagnosis of benign MS doesn't guarantee you'll be free of problems. You might still get things like fatigue or problems with your memory or thinking. What is advanced MS? Information for people severely affected by 'advanced MS' including symptoms, residential care and end of life care. In this section Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) Secondary progressive MS is a stage of MS which comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people. With this type of MS your disability gets steadily worse. Find out more about what changes might happen. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) In relapsing remitting MS, people have distinct attacks of symptoms which then fade away either partially or completely. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) When people are diagnosed with MS, about 10 to 15% get a diagnosis of primary progressive MS. It has this name because from the first (primary) symptoms it is progressive. Symptoms gradually get worse over time, rather than appearing as sudden attacks (relapses). Active MS and MS with progression As well as the main types of multiple sclerosis (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive), doctors and researchers might use other words to describe it. They may say that MS is one of the following: active, not active, with progression, without progression. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a one-off attack of symptoms like the ones people with MS get. Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) You might be diagnosed with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) if an MRI scan of your brain or spinal cord shows damage that looks like MS. But you haven’t noticed any MS-like symptoms. Benign MS Looking back at their MS over several years, some people are told they have benign MS. A diagnosis of benign MS doesn't guarantee you'll be free of problems. You might still get things like fatigue or problems with your memory or thinking. What is advanced MS? Information for people severely affected by 'advanced MS' including symptoms, residential care and end of life care. In this section Primary progressive MS (PPMS) When people are diagnosed with MS, about 10 to 15% get a diagnosis of primary progressive MS. It has this name because from the first (primary) symptoms it is progressive. Symptoms gradually get worse over time, rather than appearing as sudden attacks (relapses). Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) In relapsing remitting MS, people have distinct attacks of symptoms which then fade away either partially or completely. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) Secondary progressive MS is a stage of MS which comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people. With this type of MS your disability gets steadily worse. Find out more about what changes might happen. Active MS and MS with progression As well as the main types of multiple sclerosis (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive), doctors and researchers might use other words to describe it. They may say that MS is one of the following: active, not active, with progression, without progression. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a one-off attack of symptoms like the ones people with MS get. Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) You might be diagnosed with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) if an MRI scan of your brain or spinal cord shows damage that looks like MS. But you haven’t noticed any MS-like symptoms. Benign MS Looking back at their MS over several years, some people are told they have benign MS. A diagnosis of benign MS doesn't guarantee you'll be free of problems. You might still get things like fatigue or problems with your memory or thinking. What is advanced MS? Information for people severely affected by 'advanced MS' including symptoms, residential care and end of life care. In this section Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) In relapsing remitting MS, people have distinct attacks of symptoms which then fade away either partially or completely. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) Secondary progressive MS is a stage of MS which comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people. With this type of MS your disability gets steadily worse. Find out more about what changes might happen. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) When people are diagnosed with MS, about 10 to 15% get a diagnosis of primary progressive MS. It has this name because from the first (primary) symptoms it is progressive. Symptoms gradually get worse over time, rather than appearing as sudden attacks (relapses). Active MS and MS with progression As well as the main types of multiple sclerosis (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive), doctors and researchers might use other words to describe it. They may say that MS is one of the following: active, not active, with progression, without progression. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a one-off attack of symptoms like the ones people with MS get. Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) You might be diagnosed with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) if an MRI scan of your brain or spinal cord shows damage that looks like MS. But you haven’t noticed any MS-like symptoms. Benign MS Looking back at their MS over several years, some people are told they have benign MS. A diagnosis of benign MS doesn't guarantee you'll be free of problems. You might still get things like fatigue or problems with your memory or thinking. What is advanced MS? Information for people severely affected by 'advanced MS' including symptoms, residential care and end of life care. You may also be interested in What is MS? What is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects your central nervous system. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms Types of MS There are different kinds of MS. Find out more about relapsing, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. MS treatments and therapies There are lots of ways to manage MS. Find out about drug treatments, diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies. MS symptoms and signs There are lots of different MS symptoms but not everyone will experience all of them. These include eye problems, pins and needles, fatigue and pain. Read about what causes them and how to manage them. MS diagnosis MS is complex and can cause many different symptoms, so it's not easy to diagnose. Early MS signs and symptoms are different for everyone. Early signs of MS MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom for one person may never be experienced by someone else. Load more Tailored for you Close modal Let us tailor your experience We've got lots of helpful content on our website. If you select what you're interested in, we'll automatically recommend content that's most relevant to you as you browse the site. Don't worry, you won't be missing anything – and you can always change or remove your preferences. Find events near you MS Walk 2025 Walk, roll or stroll to stop MS. Bike the UK for MS Wednesday 9 July 2025, 11:00am Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026 The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the ultimate Scottish running experience. It's the fastest and second-largest marathon in the UK. Saturday 23 May 2026, 8:00am MS living well virtual book club Join us for our peer-led monthly book club and connect with others from across the UK living with MS. Thursday 30 October 2025, 7:30pm Progressive forms of MS peer group This peer group session is for people living with a progressive form of MS. Come along to meet others, chat and share. Tuesday 18 November 2025, 6:00pm Move more with MS session This is an opportunity to discuss the benefits of keeping active, connect with others and share and learn in a safe and informal space. Monday 17 November 2025, 6:00pm Load more Tailored for you Close modal Accept cookies to set your location. Learn how in our cookie policy We’re here for you Navigating and coming to terms with an MS diagnosis can be hard. Our free MS Helpline is here to listen and provide support and information. We’re here for you Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS and how challenging diagnosis can be. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Speak to someone who knows relapsing MS Our free MS Helpline gives emotional support for everyone living with MS. Whether you’re deciding on treatments, navigating life, careers and parenthood or dealing with a relapse. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Get support with secondary progressive MS Our free MS Helpline is here to support you navigating secondary progressive MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We’re here to listen, support and help you. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Get support with primary progressive MS Our free MS Helpline is here to support you in navigating primary progressive MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We can help you with questions about disability progression, work, finances and more. We all know life with progressive MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Get support as a friend, family member or carer Supporting someone with MS can be lonely. Our MS Helpline is here for friends and family too, with practical advice and emotional support. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Speak to someone who knows MS Our free MS Helpline gives emotional support and information to everyone affected by MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"31","entityUuid":"4813d960-df56-4807-a9bc-5fffbea41867","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"56","entityTitle":"Types of MS","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"interest":{"5596":"Pre-diagnosis\/newly diagnosed"},"location":{"851":"England"},"ms_types":{"2036":"Relapsing MS","2041":"Primary progressive MS","2226":"Secondary progressive MS"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About MS Signs and symptoms Add bookmark MS symptoms and signs There are lots of different MS symptoms, but not everyone will experience all of them. Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include: fatigue numbness and tingling loss of balance and dizziness stiffness or spasms tremor pain bladder and bowel problems vision problems problems with memory and thinking MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe. If you experience any of these symptoms but you haven’t been diagnosed with MS, you should speak to your GP. The symptoms may be caused by something other than MS. Doctors can help you find the cause of your symptoms. Learn more about MS diagnosis The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different. Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it. Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include: fatigue numbness and tingling loss of balance and dizziness stiffness or spasms tremor pain bladder and bowel problems vision problems problems with memory and thinking MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe. With relapsing remitting MS, you get relapses where you experience new symptoms, or old symptoms come back. This is followed by a recovery period where the MS is “remitting”. Read more about relapsing remitting MS The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different. Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it. Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include: fatigue numbness and tingling loss of balance and dizziness stiffness or spasms tremor pain bladder and bowel problems vision problems problems with memory and thinking MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe. The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different. Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it. Secondary progressive MS and symptoms When you have secondary progressive MS, your symptoms tend to gradually get worse. You no longer get relapses followed by recovery. Some people may still get relapses, but they don't usually recover fully afterwards. There are treatments and support available to help you manage secondary progressive MS. Read more about secondary progressive MS Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include: fatigue numbness and tingling loss of balance and dizziness stiffness or spasms tremor pain bladder and bowel problems vision problems problems with memory and thinking MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe. The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different. Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it. Primary progressive MS and symptoms When you have primary progressive MS, your symptoms will get steadily worse over a long time. This is different to relapsing remitting MS, where you experience relapses and recovery periods. Read more about primary progressive MS Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include: fatigue numbness and tingling loss of balance and dizziness stiffness or spasms tremor pain bladder and bowel problems vision problems problems with memory and thinking MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe. The symptoms of MS are caused by the immune system attacking the nerves in the brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of the body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of the body, and why everyone’s MS is different. Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it. Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include: fatigue numbness and tingling loss of balance and dizziness stiffness or spasms tremor pain bladder and bowel problems vision problems problems with memory and thinking MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe. The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different. Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it. Last full review: 1 October 2025Next review date: 1 October 2028 We also update when we know about important changes. Find out how we keep our information up to date Personalisation interests form Accept cookies to choose personalised content Learn more about our cookies and how to clear them in our cookie policy Manage cookies Questions about MS? If you’re looking for support with MS diagnosis, our helpline team is here for you. Call us on 0808 800 8000. Helpline opening hours Questions about relapsing MS? We’re here for you through the ups and downs of relapsing MS. Call us on 0808 800 8000. Helpline opening hours Questions about progressive MS? Whether you want to talk about symptoms or life with progressive MS, we’re here for you. Call us on 0808 800 8000. Helpline opening hours Questions about progressive MS? Our helpline team is here for you throughout your journey with progressive MS. Call us on 0808 800 8000. MS Helpline opening hours MS Helpline If you want practical or emotional support as a caregiver for someone with MS, our helpline team is here for you. Call us on 0808 800 8000. MS Helpline opening hours Questions about MS? Our helpline team is here for you. Call us on 0808 800 8000. MS Helpline opening hours Visible MS symptoms Balance, walking and dizziness Problems with balance and feeling dizzy are common in MS, and can have knock-on effects on your walking. Read about balance and dizziness Spasms and stiffness Muscle stiffness and spasms are common MS symptoms, and are often described as 'spasticity'. Read about spasms and stiffness Tremor A tremor can be described as a rhythmic trembling or shaking movement that you can't control. Read about tremor Speech problems Speech difficulties can come and go through the day, perhaps lasting only a few minutes at a time, and may be a symptom that appears during a relapse. Read about speech problems Invisible MS symptoms Fatigue Fatigue in MS is not just an ordinary tiredness, like you might get at the end of a hard day's work. People describe it as an overwhelming sense of tiredness with no obvious cause. Read about fatigue Bladder problems Bladder problems are common in MS, but there is usually something that can be done to help. Read about bladder problems Eyes and sight It’s very common for multiple sclerosis to cause eye problems, and many people with MS have problems with their vision at one time or another. Read about eyes and sight Pain A lot of people with MS experience pain at some time. It varies from person to person and over time, but drug treatments and other therapies can help you cope. Read about pain MS hug The ‘MS hug’ is an MS symptom where you feel pain or tightness around the chest or stomach area. It’s not dangerous, but it can be frightening, especially if you haven’t come across it before. Read about the MS hug Swallowing At least a third of people with MS experience some changes in their swallowing at some time. Health care professionals might call swallowing difficulties ‘dysphagia’. Read about problems with swallowing Bowel problems Some people with MS will never experience bowel problems, but up to 7 in 10 people with MS will get a bowel problem at some stage, either constipation or incontinence (leakage). Read about bowel problems Memory and thinking Problems with memory and thinking - also called 'cognitive problems' - can affect people with MS, but most people will be affected mildly. Read about memory and thinking problems Mental health The emotional effects of MS often go undiagnosed. This doesn't mean there aren't ways to manage them. Read about mental health Hearing problems Hearing problems aren't a common symptom with MS. But people with MS can sometimes experience problems such as tinnitus, increased sensitivity and loss of hearing. Read about hearing problems Find out more about MS symptoms and diagnosis Early signs of MS MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom for one person may never be experienced by someone else. Read about the early signs of MS Diagnosis Diagnosing multiple sclerosis isn't easy and it might take some time. It's a complex condition with many different symptoms and no single test. Find out how MS is diagnosed Exercises for MS symptoms Research tells us exercise can help you manage common MS symptoms, like fatigue, muscle spasms or balance. So we've worked with neurophysiotherapist Rachel and Pilates instructor Beth to create a series of exercise videos tailored to symptoms you've told us you need help with most. There is an audio described version of this video. Find more exercises for MS symptoms Find events near you MS Walk 2025 Walk, roll or stroll to stop MS. Bike the UK for MS Wednesday 9 July 2025, 11:00am Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026 The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the ultimate Scottish running experience. It's the fastest and second-largest marathon in the UK. Saturday 23 May 2026, 8:00am MS living well virtual book club Join us for our peer-led monthly book club and connect with others from across the UK living with MS. Thursday 30 October 2025, 7:30pm Progressive forms of MS peer group This peer group session is for people living with a progressive form of MS. Come along to meet others, chat and share. Tuesday 18 November 2025, 6:00pm Move more with MS session This is an opportunity to discuss the benefits of keeping active, connect with others and share and learn in a safe and informal space. Monday 17 November 2025, 6:00pm Load more Tailored for you Close modal Accept cookies to set your location. Learn how in our cookie policy Helpful resources on diagnosis and more Whether you're looking to learn more about MS diagnosis, treatments, or care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for relapsing MS Whether you're looking to learn more about relapsing remitting MS, treatments, or care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for secondary progressive MS We have a range of booklets and factsheets packed full of useful information if you’re living with secondary progressive MS. From understanding progressive MS to managing symptoms and getting support. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for primary progressive MS We have a range of booklets and factsheets packed full of useful information if you’re living with primary progressive MS. From understanding progressive MS to managing symptoms and getting support. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources for friends, family and carers Learn more about MS symptoms and treatment, supporting someone with MS and looking after yourself as a carer. Our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Helpful resources From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips on living well with MS. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications Make a donation Getting to grips with MS can be a rollercoaster. Help us be there for everyone going through diagnosis. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Help us support the MS community Your donations mean we can be there for everyone through the ups and downs of life with MS. With information, emotional support and practical advice. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation Your donation helps us provide support and advice for everyone affected by MS. And funds research into new treatments for progressive MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Donate to fund vital MS research Help us fund research projects into new treatments for primary progressive MS. Together, we can stop MS for everyone. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation So we can fund more groundbreaking research into stopping MS. And keep on offering emotional support and practical advice to everyone affected by MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now This information carries the PiF Tick stamp of approval The PiF Tick shows our information is accurate, reliable and easy to use. Read more about the PiF Tick and why you can trust our information Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"31","entityUuid":"c9aa7dee-07fb-41de-9bcf-c10b01fab9cc","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"66","entityTitle":"MS symptoms and signs","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"location":{"871":"UK wide"},"symptoms":{"4966":"Symptom management"},"what_is_ms":{"5421":"Facts about MS"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About MS What is MS Add bookmark What is MS? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects nerves in your central nervous system. That's your brain and spinal cord. In MS, the coating (called myelin) that protects your nerves is damaged. This causes a range of symptoms like blurred vision and problems with how we move, think and feel. Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. More than 150,000 people in the UK have MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. MS affects about two and half times as many women as men. People from many different ethnic backgrounds can get MS. Read the latest statistics on MS in the UK What happens when you have MS? You can’t catch MS from someone. You get it when your immune system isn’t working properly. In MS your immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord by mistake. To understand what happens in multiple sclerosis, it's useful to understand a little bit about the immune system and what happens in the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, a fatty substance called myelin protects the nerve fibres. Myelin helps messages travel quickly and smoothly along the nerves in your brain, spinal cord and optic nerve (between your eye and your brain). Your immune system fights off infections. But in MS it mistakes myelin for something that shouldn't be there, so attacks it. It damages the myelin, stripping it off the nerve fibres. This leaves scars known as lesions or plaques. This damage disrupts messages travelling along nerve fibres. They can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all. As well as losing the myelin, there can sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres too. Nerve damage can cause more lasting symptoms over time. What causes MS symptoms? The central nervous system controls everything your body does. So multiple sclerosis can cause many different types of symptoms. Different symptoms can happen depending on which part of your central nervous system has been affected. Symptoms could be problems with your: vision balance memory and thinking emotions But MS is different for everyone. Read about the first symptoms of MS Types of MS There are three main types of MS: Relapsing remitting MS, where you have relapses where symptoms get worse, then recovery periods (where your MS is “remitting”) Secondary progressive MS, which comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people. You’re less likely to get relapses and your symptoms are likely to get slowly but steadily worse. Primary progressive MS, where you get no or very few relapses. Instead, your MS progresses slowly and steadily. Learn more about the different types of MS Diagnosis MS is diagnosed through a series of tests including MRI scans. It can take several months to diagnose – sometimes longer. This is because doctors will need to explore other possible causes of your symptoms. If you think you may have MS, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Learn more about MS diagnosis If you’ve just been diagnosed with MS, we’re here to support you. You can call our helpline on 0808 800 8000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays. Read more about dealing with diagnosis How common is multiple sclerosis? We estimate there are over 150,000 people with MS in the UK, and each year over 7,000 people are newly diagnosed. This means around 1 in every 400 people in the UK lives with MS, and each week around 135 people are diagnosed with MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Facts about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a ‘neurological’ condition, meaning it affects your nerves. ‘Sclerosis’ means scarring and refers to the scars (also called lesions or plaques) that MS causes in your brain or spinal cord. These show up in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. It's ‘multiple’ sclerosis because the lesions happen in more than one place and at more than one time. Everyone's MS is different. People can have different symptoms which come and go or continue in different ways. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS. Around 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Read more multiple sclerosis facts Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. More than 150,000 people in the UK have MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. MS affects about two and half times as many women as men. People from many different ethnic backgrounds can get MS. Read the latest statistics on MS in the UK What happens when you have MS? You can’t catch MS from someone. You get it when your immune system isn’t working properly. In MS your immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord by mistake. To understand what happens in multiple sclerosis, it's useful to understand a little bit about the immune system and what happens in the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, a fatty substance called myelin protects the nerve fibres. Myelin helps messages travel quickly and smoothly along the nerves in your brain, spinal cord and optic nerve (between your eye and your brain). Your immune system fights off infections. But in MS it mistakes myelin for something that shouldn't be there, so attacks it. It damages the myelin, stripping it off the nerve fibres. This leaves scars known as lesions or plaques. This damage disrupts messages travelling along nerve fibres. They can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all. As well as losing the myelin, there can sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres too. Nerve damage can cause more lasting symptoms over time. What causes MS symptoms? The central nervous system controls everything your body does. So multiple sclerosis can cause many different types of symptoms. Different symptoms can happen depending on which part of your central nervous system has been affected. Symptoms could be problems with your: vision balance memory and thinking emotions But MS is different for everyone. Read about the first symptoms of MS What is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis? Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis is a type of MS where you have relapses (symptoms getting worse) followed by recovery (that’s when it’s “remitting”). In relapsing MS, people have distinct attacks or 'relapses'. New symptoms will suddenly appear, or old ones will come back or get worse. But then these symptoms will either mostly or completely go away again. If you don't get diagnosed with this type of MS, you might get a diagnosis instead of two other types of MS: primary progressive MS or secondary progressive MS. Once you get a diagnosis of MS, it stays with you for life. But treatments and specialists can help you to manage your MS and its symptoms. We're here to help you live well with your MS and fund research to stop MS for good. How common is multiple sclerosis? We estimate there are over 150,000 people with MS in the UK, and each year over 7,000 people are newly diagnosed. This means around 1 in every 400 people in the UK lives with MS, and each week around 135 people are diagnosed with MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Facts about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a ‘neurological’ condition, meaning it affects your nerves. ‘Sclerosis’ means scarring and refers to the scars (also called lesions or plaques) that MS causes in your brain or spinal cord. These show up in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. It's ‘multiple’ sclerosis because the lesions happen in more than one place and at more than one time. Everyone's MS is different. People can have different symptoms which come and go or continue in different ways. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS. Around 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Read more multiple sclerosis facts Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. More than 150,000 people in the UK have MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. MS affects about two and half times as many women as men. People from many different ethnic backgrounds can get MS. Read the latest statistics on MS in the UK What happens when you have MS? You can’t catch MS from someone. You get it when your immune system isn’t working properly. In MS your immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord by mistake. To understand what happens in multiple sclerosis, it's useful to understand a little bit about the immune system and what happens in the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, a fatty substance called myelin protects the nerve fibres. Myelin helps messages travel quickly and smoothly along the nerves in your brain, spinal cord and optic nerve (between your eye and your brain). Your immune system fights off infections. But in MS it mistakes myelin for something that shouldn't be there, so attacks it. It damages the myelin, stripping it off the nerve fibres. This leaves scars known as lesions or plaques. This damage disrupts messages travelling along nerve fibres. They can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all. As well as losing the myelin, there can sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres too. Nerve damage can cause more lasting symptoms over time. What causes MS symptoms? The central nervous system controls everything your body does. So multiple sclerosis can cause many different types of symptoms. Different symptoms can happen depending on which part of your central nervous system has been affected. Symptoms could be problems with your: vision balance memory and thinking emotions But MS is different for everyone. Read about the first symptoms of MS. What is secondary progressive MS? Secondary progressive MS is a type of MS that comes after relapsing remitting MS. With relapsing remitting MS, you have relapses followed by periods of recovery. But with secondary progressive MS, you have few or no relapses. Instead, your symptoms and disability get slowly but steadily worse. Learn more about secondary progressive MS A third type of MS you can be diagnosed with is primary progressive MS. This is where your MS is progressive from the start. Once you get a diagnosis of MS, it stays with you for life. But treatments and specialists can help you to manage your MS and its symptoms. We're here to help you live well with your MS and fund research to stop MS for good. How common is multiple sclerosis? We estimate there are over 150,000 people with MS in the UK, and each year over 7,000 people are newly diagnosed. This means around 1 in every 400 people in the UK lives with MS, and each week around 135 people are diagnosed with MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Facts about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a ‘neurological’ condition, meaning it affects your nerves. ‘Sclerosis’ means scarring and refers to the scars (also called lesions or plaques) that MS causes in your brain or spinal cord. These show up in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. It's ‘multiple’ sclerosis because the lesions happen in more than one place and at more than one time. Everyone's MS is different. People can have different symptoms which come and go or continue in different ways. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS. Around 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Read more multiple sclerosis facts Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. More than 150,000 people in the UK have MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. MS affects about two and half times as many women as men. People from many different ethnic backgrounds can get MS. Read the latest statistics on MS in the UK What happens when you have MS? You can’t catch MS from someone. You get it when your immune system isn’t working properly. In MS your immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord by mistake. To understand what happens in multiple sclerosis, it's useful to understand a little bit about the immune system and what happens in the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, a fatty substance called myelin protects the nerve fibres. Myelin helps messages travel quickly and smoothly along the nerves in your brain, spinal cord and optic nerve (between your eye and your brain). Your immune system fights off infections. But in MS it mistakes myelin for something that shouldn't be there, so attacks it. It damages the myelin, stripping it off the nerve fibres. This leaves scars known as lesions or plaques. This damage disrupts messages travelling along nerve fibres. They can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all. As well as losing the myelin, there can sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres too. Nerve damage can cause more lasting symptoms over time. What causes MS symptoms? The central nervous system controls everything your body does. So multiple sclerosis can cause many different types of symptoms. Different symptoms can happen depending on which part of your central nervous system has been affected. Symptoms could be problems with your: vision balance memory and thinking emotions But MS is different for everyone. Read about the first symptoms of MS What is primary progressive MS? If you have primary progressive MS, from the very first (or ‘primary’) signs of MS, your symptoms get slowly but steadily worse. This is different to relapsing remitting MS, where you have relapses and recovery periods. The third type of MS is secondary progressive MS. This comes after relapsing remitting MS for many people. Once you get a diagnosis of MS, it stays with you for life. But treatments and specialists can help you to manage your MS and its symptoms. We're here to help you live well with your MS and fund research to stop MS for good. How common is multiple sclerosis? We estimate there are over 150,000 people with MS in the UK, and each year over 7,000 people are newly diagnosed. This means around 1 in every 400 people in the UK lives with MS, and each week around 135 people are diagnosed with MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Facts about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a ‘neurological’ condition, meaning it affects your nerves. ‘Sclerosis’ means scarring and refers to the scars (also called lesions or plaques) that MS causes in your brain or spinal cord. These show up in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. It's ‘multiple’ sclerosis because the lesions happen in more than one place and at more than one time. Everyone's MS is different. People can have different symptoms which come and go or continue in different ways. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS. Around 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Read more multiple sclerosis facts Once you’re diagnosed with MS, it stays with you for life. But treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. More than 150,000 people in the UK have MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. MS affects about two and half times as many women as men. People from many different ethnic backgrounds can get MS. Read the latest statistics on MS in the UK What happens when you have MS? You can’t catch MS from someone. You get it when your immune system isn’t working properly. In MS your immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord by mistake. To understand what happens in multiple sclerosis, it's useful to understand a little bit about the immune system and what happens in the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, a fatty substance called myelin protects the nerve fibres. Myelin helps messages travel quickly and smoothly along the nerves in your brain, spinal cord and optic nerve (between your eye and your brain). Your immune system fights off infections. But in MS it mistakes myelin for something that shouldn't be there, so attacks it. It damages the myelin, stripping it off the nerve fibres. This leaves scars known as lesions or plaques. This damage disrupts messages travelling along nerve fibres. They can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all. As well as losing the myelin, there can sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres too. Nerve damage can cause more lasting symptoms over time. What causes MS symptoms? The central nervous system controls everything your body does. So multiple sclerosis can cause many different types of symptoms. Different symptoms can happen depending on which part of your central nervous system has been affected. Symptoms could be problems with your: vision balance memory and thinking emotions But MS is different for everyone. Read about the first symptoms of MS What is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis? Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis is a type of MS where you have relapses (symptoms getting worse) followed by recovery (that’s when it’s “remitting”). In relapsing MS, people have distinct attacks or 'relapses'. New symptoms will suddenly appear, or old ones will come back or get worse. But then these symptoms will either mostly or completely go away again. If you don't get diagnosed with this type of MS, you might get a diagnosis instead of two other types of MS: primary progressive MS or secondary progressive MS. Once you get a diagnosis of MS, it stays with you for life. But treatments and specialists can help you to manage your MS and its symptoms. We're here to help you live well with your MS and research to stop MS for good. How common is multiple sclerosis? We estimate there are over 150,000 people with MS in the UK, and each year over 7,000 people are newly diagnosed. This means around 1 in every 400 people in the UK lives with MS, and each week around 135 people are diagnosed with MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Facts about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a ‘neurological’ condition, meaning it affects your nerves. ‘Sclerosis’ means scarring and refers to the scars (also called lesions or plaques) that MS causes in your brain or spinal cord. These show up in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. It's ‘multiple’ sclerosis because the lesions happen in more than one place and at more than one time. Everyone's MS is different. People can have different symptoms which come and go or continue in different ways. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS. Around 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Read more multiple sclerosis facts Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. More than 150,000 people in the UK have MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis. MS affects about two and half times as many women as men. People from many different ethnic backgrounds can get MS. Read the latest statistics on MS in the UK What happens when you have MS? You can’t catch MS from someone. You get it when your immune system isn’t working properly. In MS your immune system attacks the nerves in your brain and spinal cord by mistake. To understand what happens in multiple sclerosis, it's useful to understand a little bit about the immune system and what happens in the central nervous system. In the central nervous system, a fatty substance called myelin protects the nerve fibres. Myelin helps messages travel quickly and smoothly along the nerves in your brain, spinal cord and optic nerve (between your eye and your brain). Your immune system fights off infections. But in MS it mistakes myelin for something that shouldn't be there, so attacks it. It damages the myelin, stripping it off the nerve fibres. This leaves scars known as lesions or plaques. This damage disrupts messages travelling along nerve fibres. They can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all. As well as losing the myelin, there can sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres too. Nerve damage can cause more lasting symptoms over time. What causes MS symptoms? The central nervous system controls everything your body does. So multiple sclerosis can cause many different types of symptoms. Different symptoms can happen depending on which part of your central nervous system has been affected. Symptoms could be problems with your: vision balance memory and thinking emotions But MS is different for everyone. Read about the first symptoms of MS What is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis? Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis is a type of MS where you have relapses (symptoms getting worse) followed by recovery (that’s when it’s “remitting”). In relapsing MS, people have distinct attacks or 'relapses'. New symptoms will suddenly appear, or old ones will come back or get worse. But then these symptoms will either mostly or completely go away again. If you don't get diagnosed with this type of MS, you might get a diagnosis instead of two other types of MS: primary progressive MS or secondary progressive MS. Once you get a diagnosis of MS, it stays with you for life. But treatments and specialists can help you to manage your MS and its symptoms. We're here to help you live well with your MS and fund research to stop MS for good. How common is multiple sclerosis? We estimate there are over 150,000 people with MS in the UK, and each year over 7,000 people are newly diagnosed. This means around 1 in every 400 people in the UK lives with MS, and each week around 135 people are diagnosed with MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties and forties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Facts about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a ‘neurological’ condition, meaning it affects your nerves. ‘Sclerosis’ means scarring and refers to the scars (also called lesions or plaques) that MS causes in your brain or spinal cord. These show up in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. It's ‘multiple’ sclerosis because the lesions happen in more than one place and at more than one time. Everyone's MS is different. People can have different symptoms which come and go or continue in different ways. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS. Around 85% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. Read more multiple sclerosis facts Last full review: 1 July 2024Next review date: 1 July 2027 We also update when we know about important changes. Find out how we keep our information up to date Personalisation interests form Accept cookies to choose personalised content Learn more about our cookies and how to clear them in our cookie policy Manage cookies Join our forum Chat with other people about their experiences of MS diagnosis. Go to our forum Join our forum Chat with other people living with relapsing MS. Go to our forum Join our forum Chat with other people about secondary progressive MS. Go to our forum Join our forum Chat with other people about primary progressive MS. Go to our forum Join our forum Chat with others about caring for someone with MS. Go to our forum Join our forum Connect with others online. Go to our forum Download more information What is MS (booklet) PDF 6.33 MB Find out more about MS Types of MS There are different kinds of MS. Find out more about relapsing, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. Worried you have MS? MS is complex, and not easy to diagnose. Find out who you can talk to and how to get support while you're going through a diagnosis. The facts about MS MS stands for multiple sclerosis. It's a neurological condition, meaning it affects your nerves. MS happens when your immune system attacks your nerves by mistake. It damages nerves in your brain and spinal cord. MS treatments and therapies There are lots of ways to manage MS. Find out about drug treatments, diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies. Women and MS Women are almost three times more likely to get MS than men, and researchers are still working to understand why. Find out about the impact of MS on women's health. What causes MS? The causes of MS are likely to be a mix of genes, something in your environment and lifestyle factors. Read on to find out the potential causes of MS. MS in children We're used to thinking of MS as an adult condition, but children and teenagers can also develop it. It's thought that around five to ten per cent of people with MS experienced their first symptoms before the age of 16. Newly diagnosed Being diagnosed with MS can feel overwhelming. The first thing to remember is there's a whole community of people here to help. Supporting someone who has MS When someone tells you they have MS it can be hard to know what to say, for both of you. The good news is there's lots of ways you can help. You may also be interested in What is MS? What is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects your central nervous system. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms Types of MS There are different kinds of MS. Find out more about relapsing, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. MS treatments and therapies There are lots of ways to manage MS. Find out about drug treatments, diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies. MS symptoms and signs There are lots of different MS symptoms but not everyone will experience all of them. These include eye problems, pins and needles, fatigue and pain. Read about what causes them and how to manage them. MS diagnosis MS is complex and can cause many different symptoms, so it's not easy to diagnose. Early MS signs and symptoms are different for everyone. Early signs of MS MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom for one person may never be experienced by someone else. Load more Tailored for you Close modal Let us tailor your experience We've got lots of helpful content on our website. If you select what you're interested in, we'll automatically recommend content that's most relevant to you as you browse the site. Don't worry, you won't be missing anything – and you can always change or remove your preferences. Make a donation Getting to grips with MS can be a rollercoaster. Help us be there for everyone going through diagnosis. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Help us support the MS community Your donations mean we can be there for everyone through the ups and downs of life with MS. With information, emotional support and practical advice. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation Your donation helps us provide support and advice for everyone affected by MS. And funds research into new treatments for progressive MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Donate to fund vital MS research Help us fund research projects into new treatments for primary progressive MS. Together, we can stop MS for everyone. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation So we can fund more groundbreaking research into stopping MS. And keep on offering emotional support and practical advice to everyone affected by MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now This information carries the PiF Tick stamp of approval The PiF Tick shows our information is accurate, reliable and easy to use. Read more about the PiF Tick and why you can trust our information Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"31","entityUuid":"d928ed0a-756c-4ca1-821a-c8ba5e72fa82","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"51","entityTitle":"What is MS?","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"interest":{"5596":"Pre-diagnosis\/newly diagnosed"},"location":{"851":"England"},"what_is_ms":{"5421":"Facts about MS"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About MS Add bookmark About MS Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition - that means it affects your nerves. You get it when your immune system isn’t working properly. Your immune system normally protects you by fighting off infection, but in MS it attacks your nerves by mistake. Your nerves control lots of different parts of your body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body. It’s also why everyone’s MS is different. Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. We're here to help you live well with your MS and fund research to stop MS for good. Personalisation interests form Accept cookies to choose personalised content Learn more about our cookies and how to clear them in our cookie policy Manage cookies Find out more about MS Download What is MS? booklet What is MS? What is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects your central nervous system. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms Types of MS There are different kinds of MS. Find out more about relapsing, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. MS diagnosis MS is complex and can cause many different symptoms, so it's not easy to diagnose. Early MS signs and symptoms are different for everyone. MS symptoms and signs There are lots of different MS symptoms but not everyone will experience all of them. These include eye problems, pins and needles, fatigue and pain. Read about what causes them and how to manage them. MS treatments and therapies There are lots of ways to manage MS. Find out about drug treatments, diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies. Is there a cure for MS? Over the past 20 years MS research has led to major advances in treatments. There's no cure for MS yet - but we're working on it. We’re here for you Navigating and coming to terms with an MS diagnosis can be hard. Our free MS Helpline is here to listen and provide support and information. We’re here for you Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS and how challenging diagnosis can be. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Speak to someone who knows relapsing MS Our free MS Helpline gives emotional support for everyone living with MS. Whether you’re deciding on treatments, navigating life, careers and parenthood or dealing with a relapse. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Get support with secondary progressive MS Our free MS Helpline is here to support you navigating secondary progressive MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We’re here to listen, support and help you. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Get support with primary progressive MS Our free MS Helpline is here to support you in navigating primary progressive MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We can help you with questions about disability progression, work, finances and more. We all know life with progressive MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Get support as a friend, family member or carer Supporting someone with MS can be lonely. Our MS Helpline is here for friends and family too, with practical advice and emotional support. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline Speak to someone who knows MS Our free MS Helpline gives emotional support and information to everyone affected by MS. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays on 0808 800 8000. We're a mix of paid staff and volunteers, MS nurses, benefits and legal specialists, health and social care and fitness experts. We all know life with MS. Send us a private message on Facebook messenger. Or send us an email: [email protected]. We're only a click or call away. Learn more about our MS Helpline You may also be interested in What is MS? What is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects your central nervous system. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms Types of MS There are different kinds of MS. Find out more about relapsing, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. MS treatments and therapies There are lots of ways to manage MS. Find out about drug treatments, diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies. MS symptoms and signs There are lots of different MS symptoms but not everyone will experience all of them. These include eye problems, pins and needles, fatigue and pain. Read about what causes them and how to manage them. MS diagnosis MS is complex and can cause many different symptoms, so it's not easy to diagnose. Early MS signs and symptoms are different for everyone. Early signs of MS MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom for one person may never be experienced by someone else. Load more Tailored for you Close modal Let us tailor your experience We've got lots of helpful content on our website. If you select what you're interested in, we'll automatically recommend content that's most relevant to you as you browse the site. Don't worry, you won't be missing anything – and you can always change or remove your preferences. When I was diagnosed with MS, it was hard adapting to sometimes accepting help. I've come to realise accepting help from others doesn't mean we're not strong. MS makes us stronger than we ever thought possible. Barbara, a writer diagnosed with MS in 2012 MS is different for everyone. And I can honestly say it got easier when I understood my symptoms. Jordan, who lives with relapsing remitting MS I’ve had to change as my condition has changed. But I haven’t had to give up on most things, I have just done it differently and learnt. Jenny, who lives with secondary progressive MS MS is part of who I am. It’s not all I am. On balance, I think having MS has made me a more reflective, creative person than I realised I could be – and this definitely feels like a silver lining! Annie, who lives with primary progressive MS When it comes to supporting my wife with MS, I’m not consciously trying to be anything other than there for her. She’s the person I love, and I just want to make her happy. Steve, whose wife Ara lives with MS My experiences meeting and speaking to people living with MS have pushed me to make an impact, no matter how big or small, for people living with MS. Dr Cory Willis, an MS researcher at the University of Cambridge My experiences meeting and speaking to people living with MS have pushed me to make an impact, no matter how big or small, for people living with MS. Dr Cory Willis, an MS researcher at the University of Cambridge Find events near you MS Walk 2025 Walk, roll or stroll to stop MS. Bike the UK for MS Wednesday 9 July 2025, 11:00am Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026 The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the ultimate Scottish running experience. It's the fastest and second-largest marathon in the UK. Saturday 23 May 2026, 8:00am MS living well virtual book club Join us for our peer-led monthly book club and connect with others from across the UK living with MS. Thursday 30 October 2025, 7:30pm Progressive forms of MS peer group This peer group session is for people living with a progressive form of MS. Come along to meet others, chat and share. Tuesday 18 November 2025, 6:00pm Move more with MS session This is an opportunity to discuss the benefits of keeping active, connect with others and share and learn in a safe and informal space. Monday 17 November 2025, 6:00pm Load more Tailored for you Close modal Accept cookies to set your location. Learn how in our cookie policy Make a donation Getting to grips with MS can be a rollercoaster. Help us be there for everyone going through diagnosis. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Help us support the MS community Your donations mean we can be there for everyone through the ups and downs of life with MS. With information, emotional support and practical advice. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation Your donation helps us provide support and advice for everyone affected by MS. And funds research into new treatments for progressive MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Donate to fund vital MS research Help us fund research projects into new treatments for primary progressive MS. Together, we can stop MS for everyone. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation So we can fund more groundbreaking research into stopping MS. And keep on offering emotional support and practical advice to everyone affected by MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"16","entityUuid":"97d6d8df-9265-4429-b087-12e5803a0084","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"6","entityTitle":"About MS","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5556":"Information"},"interest":{"5596":"Pre-diagnosis\/newly diagnosed"},"location":{"851":"England"},"what_is_ms":{"5421":"Facts about MS"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Home Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account About us Add bookmark About us We fund world-leading research, share the latest information and campaign for everyone's rights. Together we are a community and together we can stop MS. We understand what life’s like with MS. And we know together we are stronger. We’re researching, writing, campaigning and fighting. Running, walking, caring and talking. Together, we are strong enough to stop MS. Donate now to stop MS In this section Our impact - making a difference together Our work last year saw us get even closer to our vision for a world free from the effects of MS. How we work Our ultimate goal is to find treatments for everyone. Until then, we're working to make sure no one has to face MS alone. Our people Together we're researching, fundraising, campaigning and fighting to stop MS. How we are run The MS Society is a charitable company limited by guarantee. This means our Board of Trustees are also (unpaid) company directors who take on important legal responsibilities for our organisation. Contact us Get in touch to find out more about what we do, or to chat about MS. Jobs Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. Search our jobs to find out how you can join us to help stop MS. Helpful resources From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips on living well with MS. You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop. Browse our publications The next research breakthrough is in reach How much would you like to donate? £20 £50 £100 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"16","entityUuid":"8eaf8651-c3e4-4f7f-8432-3ee518f73ebf","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"advanced_page","entityId":"26","entityTitle":"About us","entityTaxonomy":{"campaigns_and_appeals":{"5506":"About us"},"location":{"871":"UK wide"}},"userUid":0});

Skip to content Site search Search Search Close modal MS Helpline 0808 800 8000 Search .orange-fill{fill:#ff5400;stroke-width:0} Search MS Helpline Call us on 0808 800 8000 Forum About us Sign in Create account Donate Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Primary navigation About MS What is MS Signs and symptoms Types of MS Diagnosis Is there a cure for MS? Living with MS Newly diagnosed Treatments and therapies Physical and mental health Financial help Working and MS Home and travel Health and social care Advanced MS Resources and publications Support and community MS Helpline Near me MS Forum Our podcasts Community blog Virtual support Local support For you Supporting someone with MS Support for family, friends and carers For professionals News and research News Take part in MS research The history of MS research Latest research Explore our research For researchers Get involved Donate Volunteer Fundraise Campaign with us Give in other ways MS Awareness Week Forum About us Sign in Create account Here for everyone with MS We’re sharing real-life stories from 10 years of the Stop MS Appeal. Help us write the ending to the MS story. For everyone with MS. Find support Stop MS Appeal Tailored for you Turn on cookies for tailored content Please accept cookies if you’d like to personalise your experience. Manage cookies Tailored for you Close modal Turn on cookies for tailored content Please accept cookies if you’d like to personalise your experience. Show me content relevant for: Interest Primary progressive MS Secondary progressive MS Relapsing remitting MS Friends and family Pre-diagnosis/newly diagnosed Other Save I don’t want to personalise my experience right now What we do From supporting you through diagnosis to researching treatments and ways to stop MS. We’re here for everyone affected by MS. Research Explore our research Support Get support Symptoms Read about MS symptoms Treatment Read about MS treatments What we do From research to community, information, services and support for relapsing remitting MS. We’ve got you covered. Research Explore our research Support Get support Symptoms Read about MS symptoms Treatment Read about MS treatments What we do From research to community, information, services and support for secondary progressive MS. We’ve got you covered. Research Explore our research Support Get support Symptoms Read about MS symptoms Treatment Read about MS treatment What we do From research to community, information, services and support for primary progressive MS. We’ve got you covered. Research Explore our research Support Get support Symptoms Read about MS symptoms Treatment Read about MS treatments What we do From research to community, information, services and support for friends and family. We’re here for everyone affected by MS. Research Explore our research Support Get support Symptoms Read about MS symptoms Treatment Read about MS treatments What we do From research to community, information, services and support. We’ve got you covered. Research Explore our research Support Get support Symptoms Read about MS symptoms Treatment Read about MS treatments You may be interested in What is MS? What is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects your central nervous system. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms Types of MS There are different kinds of MS. Find out more about relapsing, secondary progressive, and primary progressive MS. MS treatments and therapies There are lots of ways to manage MS. Find out about drug treatments, diet, exercise and complementary and alternative therapies. MS symptoms and signs There are lots of different MS symptoms but not everyone will experience all of them. These include eye problems, pins and needles, fatigue and pain. Read about what causes them and how to manage them. MS diagnosis MS is complex and can cause many different symptoms, so it's not easy to diagnose. Early MS signs and symptoms are different for everyone. Early signs of MS MS can cause a wide range of symptoms and there's no exact list of early signs. A first symptom for one person may never be experienced by someone else. Load more Tailored for you Close modal Let us tailor your experience We've got lots of helpful content on our website. If you select what you're interested in, we'll automatically recommend content that's most relevant to you as you browse the site. Don't worry, you won't be missing anything – and you can always change or remove your preferences. What's new? Explore our featured articles and find out how you can support our work. Stop MS Appeal: MS Letters Our Stop MS Appeal was launched in 2015 to raise £100 million for MS research. Now in its final year, your donation has never been more crucial. Carols by Candlelight sponsored by MetLife UK Join us at our iconic Carols by Candlelight Christmas concert in London's historic Central Hall Westminster. Thursday 4 December 2025, 7:00pm Charity Christmas Cards to Stop MS Shop our beautiful greetings cards and help stop MS this Christmas Behind the headlines: CAR T-cell therapy for MS You might have seen the news about the first person in the UK to receive CAR T-cell therapy for MS as part of a new clinical trial. We take a look behind the headlines to see what this could mean for people living with MS. Load more Just diagnosed booklet Just diagnosed with MS, or in the process of being diagnosed? This booklet answers your first questions and provides information on MS, treatments and support. Download Just diagnosed booklet Explore MS treatments There are many different treatments available for relapsing remitting MS. We’re here to help you find what’s right for you. Read more about treatments and therapies We’re here for you Whether you’re looking for emotional support, help with benefits, or advice on life with secondary progressive MS, we’re here. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm. Learn more and call our helpline Chat to others with progressive MS Our forum is a great place to connect with other people living with primary progressive MS and share your experiences. Go to our forum Supporting someone with MS We’re here for everyone affected by MS. This includes family, friends and carers supporting someone with MS. Learn more about supporting someone with MS We're here for you Sign up for our e-newsletter to get the latest in MS research, support, information and community blogs. Sign up to our e-newsletter Emotional support Explore our services Forum Join an online community Local support Find what's on near you Latest MS news and stories See all our news MS Letters: to David, my husband, my rock In this beautiful letter, Milla reflects on her journey with secondary progressive MS and the unwavering support of her husband, David. Government launches PIP review On Thursday 30 October, the government launched its review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment. Standing Firm in Power and Pride: Masta Ace on life with MS and music Hip-hop artist Masta Ace lives with MS. We caught up with him for Black History Month to talk about resilience, family and the power of art. A 6-point ‘relapse checklist’ from our MS Helpline nurses We put six big questions about relapses to our three MS Helpline nurses, Jennifer McNeil, Razia Khan and Liz Cooke. They shared some thoughts on recognising, planning for, and managing relapses. Menopause and MS: we ask the expert Most women with MS will experience menopause. We sat down with researcher Professor Ruth Dobson, consultant neurologist and professor of clinical neurology at Queen Mary University London, to discuss what we know about how menopause can impact MS. Mental health care for MS: focusing on the person, not just the symptoms People living with MS are more likely to experience poor mental health than people without MS. Dr Eva Fragkiadaki, a researcher at the University of the West of England, shares the work she’s been doing to create better psychological therapies for people with MS. Make a donation Getting to grips with MS can be a rollercoaster. Help us be there for everyone going through diagnosis. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Help us support the MS community Your donations mean we can be there for everyone through the ups and downs of life with MS. With information, emotional support and practical advice. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation Your donation helps us provide support and advice for everyone affected by MS. And funds research into new treatments for progressive MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Donate to fund vital MS research Help us fund research projects into new treatments for primary progressive MS. Together, we can stop MS for everyone. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation So we can fund more groundbreaking research into stopping MS. And keep on offering emotional support and practical advice to everyone affected by MS. How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Make a donation How much would you like to donate? £10 £20 £65 Other amount How often would you like to donate? Monthly One-off Donate now Back to top Forum Contact Newsletter .white-fill{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Connect with us X (opens in new window) Facebook (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Instagram (opens in new window) Linkedin (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Youtube (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Tiktok (opens in new window) .cls-1{stroke-width:0} Spotify (opens in new window) Opens in new window Opens in new window Ways to help links Footer help Campaign Donate Fundraise Jobs Volunteer Give in other ways Other links Footer meta Accessibility Contact us Cookies Press office Privacy Terms of use Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK). Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571. Registered office address: Carriage House, 8 City North Place, London N4 3FU window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"drupalLanguage":"en","drupalCountry":"GB","siteName":"Multiple Sclerosis Society UK","entityUid":"16","entityUuid":"442daf5a-61df-4080-97fe-6c69307852ab","entityType":"node","entityBundle":"homepage","entityId":"1","entityTitle":"Here for everyone with MS","userUid":0});