Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Symptoms

There are lots of possible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Everyone with the condition is affected differently.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• feeling extremely tired (fatigue)

• problems with your eyes or your vision, such as blurred vision or eye pain
• numbness or a tingling feeling in different parts of the body
• feeling off balance, dizzy or clumsy (uncoordinated)
• muscle cramps, spasms and stiffness
• needing to pee more often or not being able to control when you pee
• problems with memory or concentration
• sexual problems, including a dry vagina or erection problems

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have multiple sclerosis (MS). But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

Causes

Multiple sclerosis (MS) happens when your immune system attacks your brain and nerves. It's not clear what causes this.

Risk Factors

You might be more likely to get MS if:

• you're aged 20 to 50
• you're a woman – women are more likely than men to get MS
• you have a brother, sister or parent who has MS
• you smoke – people who smoke are about twice as likely to develop MS

• you've had the Epstein-Barr virus (a common virus that causes illnesses such as glandular fever)

Diagnosis

If your GP thinks you could have multiple sclerosis (MS) they'll refer you to a brain and nerve specialist (neurologist).

At your appointment the neurologist will ask about your symptoms.

There is no single test to diagnose MS

Tests you may have include:

• checks on your movement, coordination, vision, balance and reflexes

• blood tests
• an MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) scan to see if there is damage to the nerves in your brain or spinal cord 
• taking a small sample of spinal fluid from your lower back using a needle (lumbar puncture)
• tests that use small sensors attached to your skin to measure how quickly messages from your eyes or ears travel to your brain

Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). But there are treatments that can slow the progression of MS and help ease symptoms.

The type of treatment will depend on the type of MS you have and your symptoms. You'll probably need different treatments over time.

You'll be supported by different healthcare professionals. This may include a specialist MS nurse, a neurologist (brain and nerve specialist), physiotherapist and occupational therapist.

Medicines for MS

Treatments you may have include:

• steroid medicine to reduce swelling and help nerves work better
• medicines called disease-modifying therapies to reduce how many relapses you have and how serious they are
• muscle relaxant medicine to help relieve muscle spasms, cramps or stiffness
• medicine to treat pain, vision problems and other symptoms

When To See A Doctor

See a doctor if you think you have symptoms of MS.