Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and signs
There are lots of different MS symptoms, but not everyone will experience all of them.
Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- loss of balance and dizziness
- stiffness or spasms
- tremor
- pain
- bladder and bowel problems
- vision problems
- problems with memory and thinking
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe.
If you experience any of these symptoms but you haven’t been diagnosed with MS, you should speak to your GP. The symptoms may be caused by something other than MS. Doctors can help you find the cause of your symptoms.
The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body.
That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different.
Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it.
Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- loss of balance and dizziness
- stiffness or spasms
- tremor
- pain
- bladder and bowel problems
- vision problems
- problems with memory and thinking
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe.
With relapsing remitting MS, you get relapses where you experience new symptoms, or old symptoms come back. This is followed by a recovery period where the MS is “remitting”.
Read more about relapsing remitting MS
The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body.
That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different.
Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it.
Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- loss of balance and dizziness
- stiffness or spasms
- tremor
- pain
- bladder and bowel problems
- vision problems
- problems with memory and thinking
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe.
The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body.
That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different.
Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it.
Secondary progressive MS and symptoms
When you have secondary progressive MS, your symptoms tend to gradually get worse. You no longer get relapses followed by recovery. Some people may still get relapses, but they don't usually recover fully afterwards.
There are treatments and support available to help you manage secondary progressive MS.
Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- loss of balance and dizziness
- stiffness or spasms
- tremor
- pain
- bladder and bowel problems
- vision problems
- problems with memory and thinking
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe.
The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body.
That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different.
Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it.
Primary progressive MS and symptoms
When you have primary progressive MS, your symptoms will get steadily worse over a long time. This is different to relapsing remitting MS, where you experience relapses and recovery periods.
Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- loss of balance and dizziness
- stiffness or spasms
- tremor
- pain
- bladder and bowel problems
- vision problems
- problems with memory and thinking
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe.
The symptoms of MS are caused by the immune system attacking the nerves in the brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of the body.
That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of the body, and why everyone’s MS is different.
Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it.
This page is a starting point for exploring different symptoms of MS that people might experience. Looking for evidence and information to support and your work with people living with MS? View our evidence for professionals.
Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- loss of balance and dizziness
- stiffness or spasms
- tremor
- pain
- bladder and bowel problems
- vision problems
- problems with memory and thinking
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe.
The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body.
That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different.
Some multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
- fatigue
- numbness and tingling
- loss of balance and dizziness
- stiffness or spasms
- tremor
- pain
- bladder and bowel problems
- vision problems
- problems with memory and thinking
MS symptoms can come and go and change over time. They can be mild, or more severe.
The symptoms of MS are caused by your immune system attacking the nerves in your brain or spinal cord by mistake. These nerves control lots of different parts of your body.
That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body, and why everyone’s MS is different.
Some people find MS symptoms feel worse when they're too hot or too cold. Read more about temperature and MS and tips on how to manage it.
Last full review: 1 October 2025
Next review date: 1 October 2028
We also update when we know about important changes.
Visible MS symptoms
Invisible MS symptoms
Find out more about MS symptoms and diagnosis
Exercises for MS symptoms
Research tells us exercise can help you manage common MS symptoms, like fatigue, muscle spasms or balance. So we've worked with neurophysiotherapist Rachel and Pilates instructor Beth to create a series of exercise videos tailored to symptoms you've told us you need help with most. There is an audio described version of this video.
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Helpful resources on diagnosis and more
Whether you're looking to learn more about MS diagnosis, treatments, or care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information.
You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.
Helpful resources for relapsing MS
Whether you're looking to learn more about relapsing remitting MS, treatments, or care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information.
You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.
Helpful resources for secondary progressive MS
We have a range of booklets and factsheets packed full of useful information if you’re living with secondary progressive MS. From understanding progressive MS to managing symptoms and getting support.
You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.
Helpful resources for primary progressive MS
We have a range of booklets and factsheets packed full of useful information if you’re living with primary progressive MS. From understanding progressive MS to managing symptoms and getting support.
You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.
Helpful resources for friends, family and carers
Learn more about MS symptoms and treatment, supporting someone with MS and looking after yourself as a carer. Our booklets and factsheets are packed full of useful information.
You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.
Helpful resources
From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, our booklets and factsheets are packed full of information and tips on living well with MS.
You can download them from our website or order copies from our online shop.
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