MS symptoms and relapses
Everyone's experience with multiple sclerosis is different.
MS affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which means that MS can affect almost any part of the body and its function. Some symptoms are more common than others in MS, and you are unlikely to experience them all yourself.
Some people have symptoms that come and go, or relapse and remit. Others have some symptoms that are stable or worsen over time. Many people find they have a mixture of stable and changing symptoms.
In this section we look at the range of symptoms you might experience with MS, and how to tell whether your symptoms are part of a relapse.
For some people with MS, new or existing symptoms may appear, worsen and recover periodically. This is known as relapse.
This animated film helps you decide whether you are having a relapse or experiencing worsening symptoms for other reasons.
It is also available free to download or order from our online shop.


Signs and symptoms
Find out about the different signs and symptoms MS presents and which of them are the most common.

What's causing my symptoms?
MS can cause a range of symptoms which you may want to know more about. Use our tool to narrow down information on what's causing your symptoms.


Managing relapses
For many, but not all, people with MS, relapses are a big part of their condition. Find out what relapses are and how to deal with them.