Multiple sclerosis

It can be hard to tell whether your symptoms might be caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) at first, as some of the symptoms can be quite vague or similar to other conditions.

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

Letting them know about the type and pattern of symptoms you're experiencing in detail will help them determine whether you might have the condition.

If the GP thinks you could have MS you should see a neurologist, a specialist in conditions of the nervous system, for an assessment.

Tests for multiple sclerosis

Diagnosing MS is complicated because no single test can positively diagnose it. Other possible causes of your symptoms may need to be ruled out first.

It may also not be possible to confirm a diagnosis if you have had only 1 attack of MS-like symptoms.

A diagnosis can only be made with confidence once there's evidence of at least 2 separate attacks, although this may include signs of attacks on an MRI scan that you may not realise you have had.

Some of the tests you may need to confirm MS are discussed on this page.

Neurological examination

Your neurologist will look for abnormalities, changes or weakness in your vision, eye movements, hand or leg strength, balance and co-ordination, speech and reflexes.

These may show whether your nerves are damaged in a way that might suggest MS. 

MRI scan

An MRI scan is a painless scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

It can show whether there's any damage or scarring of the myelin sheath (the layer surrounding your nerves) in your brain and spinal cord. Finding this can help confirm a diagnosis in most people with MS.

A standard MRI scanner is like a large tube or tunnel. The machine is noisy and some people feel claustrophobic while the scan is done. Tell your neurologist if you're worried about this.

Newer scanners are more open and work quicker than those used in the past, and most people have scans without any problems. 

There's currently no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), but medicines and other treatments can help control the condition [JJ1] and ease some of the symptoms.

Treatment for MS depends on the stage of the disease and the specific symptoms the person has.

It may include:

treating relapses of MS symptoms (with steroids)

treating specific MS symptoms

treatment to reduce the number of relapses (disease-modifying therapies)

This may include a neurologist (specialist in treating conditions of the nervous system), a physiotherapist, a speech and language therapist, and a number of other professionals.

Your team will also include a specialist MS nurse, who'll usually serve as your main point of contact.

Information:

Find out more

NICE: Multiple sclerosis in adults

Treatment for multiple sclerosis relapses

Contact your specialist MS nurse or GP if you think you're having a relapse.

A flare-up of symptoms can sometimes be caused by something other than a relapse, such as an infection, so your nurse or GP needs to check for other possible causes.

Treatment for a relapse usually involves either:

a 5-day course of steroid tablets taken at home

injections of steroid medicine given in hospital for 3 to 5 days

Steroids can help speed up your recovery from a relapse, but they don't prevent further relapses or stop MS getting worse over time.

They're only given for a short period of time to avoid possible steroid side effects, such as osteoporosis (weak bones), weight gain and diabetes, although some people will still experience problems.

Not using steroids more than 3 times a year (if possible) will also help to reduce the risk of side effects.