People are generally considered to be severely affected by MS if they have very limited mobility and many complex symptoms, making them dependent upon others for care and support.
Some people become severely affected temporarily, often during a serious relapse where symptoms and disability increase suddenly. When this happens, major life changes may be required. This can be very difficult for all involved.
There is also an extremely rare and very aggressive form of MS, sometimes referred to as ‘Marburg MS’, which causes rapidly increasing disability. Little is known about this condition, though research continues.
In any of these situations MS may take over a person’s life, affecting almost every action, from eating a meal to going outside.
It is vital that they get the right care and support and that appropriate services are provided as well as equipment to aid independence. For more information, see care and support for people with severe MS .
The symptoms of severe MS are similar to those experienced at any stage of MS.
The difference is that a person with severe MS will experience many, or even most, of these symptoms simultaneously.
Click the links to read more about these symptoms and how to manage them:
Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registered charity nos 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571
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