FAQ's

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The disease affects more than 2.8 million people around the world and is caused by damage to myelin – the protective layer of nerve fibres which allow nerves to transmit impulses to and from the brain – in a process called demyelinisation. In the areas where myelin is lost, hardened scars appear in various areas of the brain and spinal cord.

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The name of the resulting condition – Multiple Sclerosis – literally means ‘many scars’. MS can appear at any time and affects patients in differing ways, and symptoms include numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis. These effects may be temporary or long lasting, and patients’ experiences can vary.

First, and most importantly, it is recommended that you visit a healthcare professional and obtain a full examination as soon as you can. Be as honest as possible, and don't hold anything back. We appreciate that it can be a scary experience, however early detection of MS will help you in the long term.

MS itself is rarely fatal, however complications may arise from severe MS, such as chest or bladder infections, or swallowing difficulties. Although the average life expectancy for people with MS is around 5 to 10 years lower than average, this gap appears to be getting smaller all the time, thanks to innovative research programmes around the world.

At present there is no cure for MS, however management of the disease includes drug treatments to treat acute inflammatory attacks (or relapses), medications that reduce the risk of further inflammatory relapses (disease modifying therapies) and treatments to slow disease progression.

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There are also therapies that alleviate and improve various symptoms. Successful management of MS also includes a healthy diet, exercise, and rehabilitation.

There will be implications for both you and your employer following your diagnosis. While you may not be under any legal obligation to inform your employer, it may prove helpful down the line if you can get their advance support. You may need to take time off for medical appointments or treatment sessions, so for most, it does make sense to share with your line manager and HR department.

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Some symptoms may require understanding from your employers (such as fatigue), so again, it is worth considering discussing your diagnosis with them.

In addition to adjusting to the physical and emotional impact of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, there may be additional financial pressures. As well as the cost of living with the disease, MS may affect patients' ability to work while adding costs related to medical care, rehabilitation, home modifications, and more.

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It may help to speak to a financial advisor to help you plan for your future with MS.

With some adaptations to your daily lifestyle (nutrition and exercise, for example) and the right levels of care and support, many people diagnosed with MS can lead healthy, active, and long lives.