The MS Trust podcast

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 We often hear about the importance of brain health, but what does looking after your brain health mean when you're living with MS? And what practical steps can you take to support it every day? In this episode of the MS Trust podcast, we speak with Consultant Neurologist Dr Agne Straukiene,...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Fatigue is one of the most common and misunderstood MS symptoms. In this episode, we explore what MS fatigue really is, the emotional weight it can carry, and practical ways to manage fatigue in daily life. We're joined by Helen Cole, occupational therapist; Ruth Stross, MS nurse and Directo...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this episode of the MS Trust podcast, We take a closer look at corticosteroids and how they’re used to treat MS relapses. Joined by MS nurse Mavis Ayer and MS specialist pharmacist Stavroula Charisi, we break down what steroids actually do, when they’re recommended, and why experiences can var...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Getting an MS diagnosis can be straightforward for some people, but for many it’s a long, confusing journey filled with uncertainty. In this episode, we explore one of the questions the MS Trust is asked most often: How is MS actually diagnosed? We look at why diagnosis can take time, what tests...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Living with persistent MS-related pain isn’t just a physical challenge it can take a big toll on your emotional wellbeing and mental health too. In this episode, we explore the psychological impact of chronic pain. We are joined by Dr Phillip Simpson , Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 2...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this special bonus episode of the MS Trust Podcast, mindfulness teacher Justin Standfield shares two guided meditations designed to help ease the challenges of living with MS pain. You’ll hear a shorter practice for pain awareness and relief, plus a longer meditation created especially for chr...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Neuropathic pain or nerve pain is one of the most challenging symptoms of MS, unpredictable, intrusive, and often invisible. In this episode, we focus on what people can do themselves, at home, to ease that pain and take back some control. We talk to lead pain specialist nurse Katherine Dyer and...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this episode we explore the biggest breakthroughs from ECTRIMS 2025, the world’s largest MS research conference. We look into new treatment insights, the push for inclusive research, and how people with MS can shape the future of care. Featuring Brett Drummond from MS translate, Natalie Busari...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this episode of the MS Trust Podcast, we explore the MS Hug—one of the most confusing and uncomfortable symptoms of multiple sclerosis. From tight banding and rib cramps to stitch-like pain and breathlessness, we unpack what it feels like, why it happens, and how to manage it. Neurologist Kate...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 If you live with multiple sclerosis and struggle to get a good night sleep, this episode is for you. We uncover the hidden impact of night-time MS symptoms—from nerve pain, spasms, and restless legs to bladder urgency, burning sensations, and cold feet—and explore why these issues often seem to w...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Worried about falling or unsure what to do if you do fall? You're not alone. Falls are a common concern for people living with multiple sclerosis. In this episode, expert physio Hilary Gunn breaks down why people with MS are more prone to falling. Discover how to spot the early warning signs...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Relationships can be complicated, even at the best of times.  When one partner is living with MS, it can bring a whole host of new challenges as well as opportunities for deeper connection. In this podcast, we explore the emotional and practical realities of supporting a partner with MS, and how...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Spasticity and spasms are common MS symptoms that vary from person to person and can be challenging to understand and manage.   In this episode, we explore how these symptoms can feel with the help of our MS community and what you can do about them.   We asked MS specialist physiotherapist Wendy...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Talking about living with MS can be a tough thing to do, but open and honest conversations are vital in building understanding for the condition. In this special episode for MS Awareness Week 2025, we explore the power of MS conversations—why they matter and how they can make a difference.  This...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Have you been told "nothing can be done" to treat progressive MS? Then this is the episode for you. Join Nick and Helena as they debunk this myth with the expertise of neurologist Dr. Emma Tallantyre, exploring current medical and non-medical treatments, effective symptom management, an...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 In this bonus episode, we share some people with MS journeys of coming to terms with a progressive MS diagnosis. Adam, who lives with secondary progressive MS, is joined by his wife and carer, Sharon. Together, they reflect on how they navigate the complexities of their shared experience, from th...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Receiving the news that your MS is progressing can be a life-altering moment. In this podcast episode, we explore the emotional impact of this change and the journey towards acceptance and adjustment. Helena and Nick are joined by Dr Angeliki Bogosian, a health psychologist specialising in MS, wh...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 From challenges to special moments: advanced MS comes with a whole heap of them both. Listen now to hear three different perspectives: a person living with advanced MS, a carer and a health professional. We’re tackling advanced MS in this podcast episode of ‘Breaking it down’. Disclaimer: we disc...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Join us for a jargon busting, myth smashing podcast where we explore baffling multiple sclerosis terms and common misconceptions. Ever heard terms like PIRA, RAW, or smouldering MS that’ve left you scratching your head and asking for a translation to plain English? Better yet, have you been on th...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 What questions have the MS community been asking in 2024? We took to social media and analysed our helpline enquiries to find out. Dr Claire Winchester and Corinne from our helpline team take us through the topics and explore the available information, support and self-management strategies. Plus...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Is public transport derailing your life? We caught up with Meg Barnett (Transport For All), Flora (MS Trust helpline), Richard Sprenger and Antoinette Mohamed on public transport tips, helpful information and all the latest resources.  “It’s just really complicated. I hate having medical appointm...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Are you wondering how to stay productive while managing MS? Perhaps you are looking for ways to disclose your diagnosis without derailing your career?  Then join us as we delve into the topic of MS at work. Hosts Nick and Helena explore the impact of Multiple Sclerosis in the workplace and share...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 What is a driving assessment? Does your mind conjure up memories of your driving test? Do you see a 17-year-old version of yourself panicking and sweating? Well, the second part of our podcast series on driving and multiple sclerosis covers everything that you need to know. Occupational therapist...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 Driving when you live with MS might make you feel like you’re stuck at a red light. You might start to ask questions. Who do I need to tell about my diagnosis? Can I still drive to see my family and friends? What adaptions do I need? Well, our two-part podcast special should give you some answers...

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39 What should you eat when you live with MS? We come across this question a lot from the MS community. It’s not surprising considering how much conflicting information there is out there. That’s why we’re demystifying MS diets in our two-part podcast special. Episode one saw us catch up with Dr. Te...