What it is
There is no cure, but disease-modifying medicines can reduce relapses and slow progression.
Steroids can help with relapses, and physiotherapy and other support help with symptoms such as fatigue, spasms and bladder problems.
Common signs
- Blurred vision or pain in one eye
- Numbness or tingling
- Fatigue
- Problems with balance and walking
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Bladder problems
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a neurologist
- MRI scans of the brain and spine
- Lumbar puncture, sometimes
- Evoked potential tests
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- MRI reports over time
- Neurology letters
- Relapse dates and treatments
- Disease-modifying medicine monitoring blood tests
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which type of MS do I have?
- Which disease-modifying treatment is right for me?
- What should I do if I think I am having a relapse?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe weakness, loss of vision, or difficulty breathing or swallowing: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.