Why am I dizzy? Understanding dizziness and vertigo in MS

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Do you ever struggle with the room spinning? Struggled in a busy supermarket? Or wondered whether your dizziness is caused by MS or something else entirely?In this episode of MS Trust Podcast, we speak to Dr Rachel Dennett, physiotherapist, researcher and Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Plymouth, about dizziness, vertigo and balance problems in MS. Together they explore what these symptoms actually are, why they happen, and what can be done to helpEpisode notesDizziness and vertigo in MS  - info from the MS TrustBalance and MS  - info from the MS TrustFalls  - info from the MS TrustVestibular Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis (VeRMiS) study  - Research Rachel talks abou

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Pain can be one of the most difficult MS symptoms to describe, and there’s no single approach to managing it that works for everyone.For Pain Awareness Month, we revisit some of the most useful and memorable moments from our conversations about pain and MS we have had on our podcast.We hear from people living with MS and healthcare professionals as we explore why MS pain can feel so different from person to person, what’s happening when pain becomes persistent, and the different tools that can help with managing it.With insights from Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Phil Simpson, Lead Pain Specialist Nurse Katrine Dyer, mindfulness teacher Justin Standfield, who lives with MS, and Heather, sharing her personal experience of MS pain.Episode notes: Previous MS Trust podcast episodes:Managing MS nerve pain: what you can do yourself - mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/managing-ms-nerve-pain-what-you-can-do-yourself Coping with MS pain in the long term: how to look after your mental health - mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/coping-ms-pain-long-term-how-look-after-your-mental-healthBonus episode: guided mindfulness meditation for MS pain - mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/bonus-episode-guided-mindfulness-meditation-ms-painHelpful resourses:Pain and MS - info from the MS TrustTreating nerve pain in MS  - info from the MS TrustPain resources - info from the MS TrustMindfulness and MS - info from the MS TrustWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingMS and mindfulness with Justin Standfield - Video with Justin from MSA selection mindfulness apps (not reviewed or endorsed by the MS Trust)HeadspaceCalmInsight TimerResources mentioned by Dr Phil Simpson livewellwithpain.co.uk -  website with resources and informationpaintoolkit.org - focused on self management and has been created by an expert by experience flippinpain.co.uk-  focused on challenging misconceptions about pain problems.

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39MS relapses can be worrying, confusing and unpredictable. How do you know if you're experiencing a relapse, a temporary flare-up of symptoms, or the effects of something else like stress, heat or an infection?In this episode of MS Trust Podcast, we are joined by MS nurse Cat Alexander to answer some of the most common questions about relapses. We explore what relapses are, how to recognise the signs, when symptoms may need urgent attention, what treatment options are available, and what recovery can look like.You'll also hear practical advice and personal experiences from the MS Trust community on how they manage relapses.Episode notes:mstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-symptoms-diagnosis/managing-ms-relapses - MS relapses and their management - info from MS Trustmstrust.org.uk/a-z/steroids-methylprednisolone - Steroids for MS relapses - info from MS Trustmstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-drugs-treatments/treatment-finder - Treatment finder - info from MS Trusthttps://mstrust.org.uk/event/challenge-135km  Challenge 135km - fundraising challenge from MS Trust 

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39We 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, about the everyday habits that can help support brain health. We discuss the role of movement, sleep, stress management, nutrition, cognitive wellbeing and other lifestyle factors that can help support thinking, memory and overall wellbeing.We also spoke to Consultant Neurologist and Professor Nikos Evangelou and Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Silvia at the MS Trust Conference where we discussed how people with MS can make meaningful and sustainable changes to improve wellbeing and how to set realistic goals to help these changes.Episode notes:-Brain health and MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/brain-health-Exercise and MS  - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/exercise-ms- Diet and MS - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/diet-ms- Lifestyle Choices  - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/lifestyle-choices- Sleep and MS - Information from the MS Trust mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/sleep- Avoiding the brain drain in MS how to keep your mind fit and fed - Podcast from the MS Trust  mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/avoiding-brain-drain-ms-how-keep-your-mind-fit-and-fed- Bee Well with MS podcast -podcast from Dr Agne Straukiene

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Fatigue 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 Director of Services and Health Professional Lead at the MS Trust; and Dr Rebecca McGuire, Associate Professor in Psychology who lives with MS herself. Together we discuss all aspects of MS fatigue, from how to avoid the "boom and bust" cycle through pacing and planning, to navigating feelings of guilt and frustration when fatigue stops you doing things the way you used to.Episode NotesInformation on fatigue from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/fatigueLiving with fatigue booklet: shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/living-with-fatigue/Telling people at work that you have MS: shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/telling-people-at-work-that-you-have-ms/Ask the Expert coping with fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/ask-expert-coping-ms-fatigueLearning to listen to fatigue - a personal story on fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/learning-listen-fatigueFatigue, more than just being tired - a personal story on fatigue: mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/fatigue-more-just-being-tiredOnline fatigue management course from MS Society www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/signs-and-symptoms/fatigue/managing-fatigue/online-fatigue-management-course  Miles for MS challenge: mstrust.org.uk/event/miles-ms

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39In 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 vary so much.We talk about:When steroids should (and shouldn’t) be usedHow steroid treatment is givenPossible side effects and how they’re monitoredWhat to expect during and after a courseListen now to better understand the role of steroids in treating MS relapses.Show notes:Steroids for MS relapsesmstrust.org.uk/a-z/steroids-methylprednisoloneManaging MS relapsesmstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-symptoms-diagnosis/managing-ms-relapsesTreatment finder mstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-drugs-treatments/treatment-finderDiary of a steroid taker by Carla King, a personal story from MS Trust - mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/diary-a-steroid-taker-carla-king

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Getting 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 are involved, why symptoms aren’t always obvious, and what happens when tests give unclear results.We’re joined by Professor Alasdair Coles, neurologist and MS specialist, who guides us through the current diagnosis process from first symptoms to MRIs, lumbar punctures, evoked potentials, OCT scans, and what will happen after the point of diagnosis.Episode notesHow MS is diagnosed - info from the MS TrustLumbar puncture  - info from the MS TrustEvoked potentials - info from the MS TrustMcDonald criteria - info from the MS TrustDisease modifying drugs (DMDs) - info from the MS TrustLimbo land - what you can do while you wait for an MS diagnosis - MS Trust podcastWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingVideo resources from MS TrustWhat happens in a Neurological examination?What is a Lumbar Puncture?What is an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test?

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Living 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 20 years of NHS experience, and Heather Daly, who shares her personal journey of living with MS and chronic pain, as we explore topics such asWhat chronic pain really means and how it affects the mindThe emotional challenges of living with persistent MS painHow psychological therapies such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness can helpPractical coping strategies, acceptance, and behaviour change techniquesIf you are living with long term MS and what to explore different approaches to cope with it psychologically, this is the episode for youEpisode notesPain and MS - info from the MS TrustTreating nerve pain in MS  - info from the MS TrustPain resources - info from the MS TrustMindfulness and MS - info from the MS TrustWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingResources mentioned by Dr Phil Simpson livewellwithpain.co.uk -  website with resources and informationpaintoolkit.org - focused on self management and has been created by an expert by experience flippinpain.co.uk-  focused on challenging misconceptions about pain problems.

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39In 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 chronic pain. These two meditations can offer practical tools to bring comfort and calm whenever pain feels overwhelming.Episode notesPain and MS - info from the MS TrustTreating nerve pain in MS  - info from the MS TrustPain resources - info from the MS TrustMindfulness and MS - info from the MS TrustWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingMS and mindfulness with Justin Standfield - Video with Justin from MS Trust's YouTubeCan mindfulness really help with my MS? - podcast from the MS Trust with Justin

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Neuropathic 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 mindfulness teacher Justin Standfield who share practical strategies and calming techniques that can make a real difference. We also meet the MS Trust helpline team and learn more about the vital support they provide to people affected by MS.Episode notes:Episode notesPain and MS - info from the MS TrustTreating nerve pain in MS  - info from the MS TrustPain resources - info from the MS TrustMindfulness and MS - info from the MS TrustWellbeing and MS - information hub to help you support your emotional wellbeingMS and mindfulness with Justin Standfield - Video with Justin from MS Trust's YouTubeDonate to MS Trust helpline - info from the MS Trust A selection mindfulness apps (not reviewed or endorsed by the MS Trust)HeadspaceCalmInsight Timer