Multiple Sclerosis : invisible & misunderstood
It's a lifelong condition. Sometimes it can be mild, but it can also cause serious disability.
Although it can’t be cured, for most people it is possible to treat your symptoms.
Usually people are diagnosed when they are young - in their 20s and 30s - although it can develop at any age. It's also more common in women than men.
Unfortunately, MS is one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults.
The symptoms of MS vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of your body.
The main symptoms include:
- fatigue
- difficulty walking
- vision problems, such as blurred vision
- problems controlling your bladder
- numbness or tingling in different parts of your body
- muscle stiffness and spasms
- problems with balance and co-ordination
- problems with thinking, learning and planning
Support for people with Multiple Sclerosis
There is support available for you and your friends and family. The two main MS charities in the UK are:
They both offer useful advice, publications and news items about ongoing research.
It’s also a good place to start if you’ve recently been diagnosed with MS, or you know someone who has.
You may want to check out the shift.ms website, which is an online community for younger people affected by MS.
Neurological services in East Kent
Back in 2018, we spent time chatting with people who have used neurological services in East Kent, including people with MS. You can read what they told us here
Do you have MS? Tell us your story here
