Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (your brain and your spinal cord). The central nervous system cells are covered in a protective layer of fatty protein called the myelin sheath (a bit like the insulation on an electrical cable). MS is an auto-immune disease, where the immune system gets confused and instead of attacking an infection or virus, the immune system turns on itself and attacks the nerve cells, damaging this protective sheath. This process is called demyelination. The demyelination disrupts the ‘messages’ being transmitted from and to the brain, causing them to slow down, become distorted or not get through at all.

The term ‘sclerosis’ is a Greek word that means scarring. Demyelination causes many scars or lesions in different places within the central nervous system. The symptoms that occur depend on the site and severity of the lesions and this is why people with MS experience different symptoms at different times.

It is estimated that there are more than 130,000 people in the UK diagnosed with MS, that’s around 1 in every 500. MS is commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 40 (1). There are roughly three times as many women with MS as men (2).

We’re here to support you, whether you are awaiting a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or have been living with the condition for years.

The MS-UK Helpline is open 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday and our trained staff are available to speak on the telephone or online via live web chat, or via email, whichever suits you. Our helpline also produce a range of resources for you to download, including our Choices booklets.