7 common misconceptions about multiple sclerosis (MS)

It’s estimated that 150,000 people live with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK, and that nearly 7,100 people are newly diagnosed each year.

20th to 26th April 2026 marks MS Awareness Week. This year's theme looks to challenge MS assumptions and the harm they can cause.

We sat down with Professor Eli Silber, consultant Neurologist at Welbeck, to discuss his work with MS patients and some of the most common misconceptions they have about living with MS.

Professor Silber, can you tell us about yourself and your patients?

I’m a Welbeck neurologist with expertise in MS. Following my research developing a laboratory test to measure tissue damage in people with MS, I set up the regional MS service at King's College Hospital in South London. I had been involved in most of the pivotal trials of the therapies that are currently used in preventing relapses and the risk of long-term disability in MS.

Many of my patients are fearful about a potential diagnosis of MS. They can be overwhelmed by the process of undergoing investigations to confirm or exclude a diagnosis and then make decisions about instituting therapy when needed. Once we confirm a diagnosis, many are concerned about the long-term future and the risk of disability. There’s often a stereotype of a rapid, irreversible decline and inevitable disability. Fortunately, early accurate diagnosis and the availability of well-proven effective therapies prevent this in the majority of cases.

What is MS?

MS is an immune condition that attacks the myelin sheath around nerves in the brain, spine, and optic nerves (the central nervous system). Because each part of the nervous system is specialised, the initial attacks can vary considerably and may include visual loss from optic neuritis, double vision, sensory symptoms (numbness and tingling), weakness, and clumsiness. 

In over 85% of cases, the disease is characterised by relapses with a partial or full recovery between attacks; however, incomplete recovery may lead to long-term disability. In a proportion of cases, this damage builds up, and there may be a gradual deterioration termed “secondary progression”. There can be considerable variability in the frequency and character of relapses and the chances of recovery. Modern management stresses the importance of early, accurate diagnosis and the institution of treatment to avoid the accrual of disability. 

What are some common MS misconceptions patients have?

When I first meet patients living with MS, and over the course of treating them over many years, the same concerns and assumptions are raised repeatedly.

While the internet and online forums are great places to find community, they can also be a source of misinformation.  

If you’ve been diagnosed with MS, your condition will have its own unique development, and treatment will be personalised based on your needs and concerns. My colleagues and I work closely with all of our patients to ensure they receive personalised advice and the most appropriate care. 

Some of the most common misconceptions we hear about MS are:

1. “I’ll be bound to a wheelchair soon.”

Difficulties with gait are a common and important concern. Prior to effective therapies, at least half of people with MS needed some assistance with walking after 10 or 15 years. This has reduced considerably, and with newer therapies, estimates are that only 20% of people may need mobility aids like a cane or crutch, and many never experience severe mobility limitations.

2. "I have to stop working."

While many people with MS may have fatigue or other issues that may require adjustments, many people continue to work for years, or even decades, after their diagnosis.

3. "I can't exercise anymore." 

People often fear that physical activity will worsen their symptoms. While heat sensitivity can cause temporary fatigue, regular, moderate exercise is recommended and is important for maintaining balance, strength, and energy levels.

4. "I won’t be able to have or care for children." 

MS does not significantly affect fertility in men or women, and a diagnosis does not mean you cannot be a successful parent. Furthermore, for women, the risk of relapses reduces, and many find that their MS symptoms improve during pregnancy. Risks of relapse increase post partum, and this needs to be planned for with appropriate therapies. We make efforts to choose the appropriate therapies and counsel women contemplating a family.

5. "My life is over/I’ll die young."

Whilst MS may result in disability for some, in the majority of patients, it has a negligible effect on longevity. The average life expectancy for someone with MS is, for most, nearly the same as that of the general population. We aim to support our patients to live a long, healthy and independent life.

6. "I have to avoid all stress."

Many people with MS are concerned about stress as a trigger for new MS relapses or aggravating their current symptoms. Managing stress is an important component of living a healthy life, but it’s not completely unavoidable. Effective therapies, together with a healthy lifestyle and support in developing resilience, help maintain quality of life.

7. "All my symptoms are permanent."

Many relapse symptoms improve with time and early effective therapies. We aim to prevent relapses and reduce long-term disability while supporting rehabilitation and reducing unpleasant symptoms. 

With early accurate diagnosis, effective relapse management, and the availability of highly effective disease-modifying therapies to prevent further damage, the outlook for most patients recently diagnosed with MS is extremely optimistic.

MS treatment options at Welbeck

At Welbeck, my colleagues and I are available to:

• rapidly assess people with the possibility of MS to establish an accurate diagnosis

• manage relapses to improve current symptoms

• review therapy options, taking into account the disease and personal factors, including fertility plans and to suggest the most appropriate options

• institute therapies (dependent on funding) and support long-term care

• advise on symptom management, including pain, spasticity, bladder and bowel problems, and mood issues.

• advise on lifestyle, exercise and on-going management to maintain and enhance quality of life

Book an appointment with a Welbeck specialist

Get in contact with our Neurology centre to book a consultation with me, Professor Eli Silber, or another of Welbeck’s leading MS consultants.