Monday 28th April 2025 marks the start of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness for MS and to encourage open conversation about the different symptoms and what support is available.
Did you know that over 150,000 people in the UK are affected by MS? Or that it’s three times more common in women than it is in men? Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres and disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to a range of symptoms, such as;
- Fatigue (feeling extremely tired)
- Muscle cramps
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Problems with bladder control
- Numbness or tingling
MS can progress in different ways and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have symptoms that are there all the time and progressively get worse, whereas others may have times where they feel better (remission) and times when symptoms are worse (flare-ups or relapse).
There is currently no cure for MS, but there are various treatments that could help ease symptoms and slow down the rate at which they worsen, such as medicines, physiotherapy, and exercises to help with bowel and bladder problems.
Join our Neurological Support Group
If you have been diagnosed with a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, we can help- our online Neurological Support Group meets once a month and offers a safe space to share information and experiences, with occasional speakers or activities.