Balance, walking and dizziness

Problems with balance and feeling dizzy are common in MS, and can have knock-on effects on your walking.

Like all MS symptoms, these issues affect people differently, and vary from day to day. You might be wobbly on your feet from time to time. Sometimes people say they feel like they're on a boat. You might need to move with more care to keep your balance.

The causes are complex, but once the problem has been investigated, there are ways to get help.

In this section

Causes of balance problems

MS can cause a wide range of symptoms that can have an effect on balance, including difﬁculties with coordination, tremor and muscle weakness, stiffness or spasms.

Treatments for balance problems

There are things you can do to improve your balance. Some of these you can do on your own. For others, you'll need support from a professional such as an MS nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

Rooms spun around me when I stood up. Coupled with imbalance, getting from A to B became a battle quest, one in which I employed every prop available – banisters, random strangers, pillars and finally, a walking stick.

Barbara, a mum who blogs about life with MS

Members of a local group chatting at a group meeting

Find support near you

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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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