Podcast
The MS Trust podcast
Hosted by MS Trust · EN
Our podcast brings together a range of voices from the MS community to cover all aspects of life with multiple sclerosis. We know that living with MS can be life changing and can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why we’re here with you at each stage of the journey.
Look, we know that we don’t have all the answers. But our podcast’s aim is to bring you the most up to date, trusted information from experts across the MS space including neurologists, therapists and researchers.
Plus, hosts Helena and Nick hear real-life experiences from the MS community and find out your tips, tricks and the things that make you tick. We pose your burning questions to our experts and find out the information that you really want to know.
Listen now for helpful information on symptoms, treatments, updates and a whole lot more.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
MS fatigue: practical strategies for living well with limited energy
1w ago01:21:42Summary readySend 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
SummaryUnderstanding steroids for MS relapses: what they do, when they’re used and what to expect
Apr 2700:40:45Summary readySend 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
SummaryHow MS is diagnosed: your questions answered
Feb 2301:03:25Summary readySend 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?
SummaryCoping with MS pain in the long term: how to look after your mental health
Dec 1501:24:42Summary readySend 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.
SummaryBonus episode: guided mindfulness for MS pain
Dec 300:17:45Summary readySend 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
SummaryManaging MS nerve pain: what you can do yourself
Nov 2401:19:43Summary readySend 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
SummaryECTRIMS Patient Community Day: why researchers need people with MS to get involved
Oct 2801:09:42Summary readySend us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39In 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 from The Nerve of My MS, Dr. Claire Winchester research and engagement, at MS Trust , and Lucy Taylor our MS Trust CEOEpisode notesECTRIMS 2025 news round-up - news from the MS TrustCriteria used to diagnose MS updated - news from the MS TrustECTRIMS patient Community - video recordings from the dayMS and Cognition - info from MS TrustDiet and MS - info from MS TrustLeave a gift in your will - info from MS TrustMS Trust new strategy - info from MS TrustThe Nerve of My Multiples Sclerosis - Natalie Busari Instagram
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What does the MS hug feel like? Banding tightness, rib cramps, stitch sensations, girdling pains, and how to deal with it
Sep 2200:40:24Summary readySend 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 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 Petheram joins us to explain the science behind the symptom, and we hear from people living with MS who share their personal experiences and tips for coping with this unwelcome embrace.Episode NotesThe MS Hug - info from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/ms-hug MS Pain - info from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/a-z/painStream for MS - Fundraising challenge from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-and-events/ms-trust-exclusives/streamforms
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Why can’t I sleep? Night-time MS symptoms uncovered
Aug 1301:05:13Summary readySend us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39If 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 worsen after dark.Featuring insights from Associate Professor Rod Middleton from the UK MS Register and practical advice from Clinical Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Rehabilitation Laura Edwards, try to we answer your questions and share strategies to ease those night time symptoms symptom. Episode NotesNight time symptoms - information from The MS Trust: https://mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/night-symptoms-and-msSleep and MS - information from The MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/sleep Focus on sleep problems - information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/expert/focus-sleep-problems-ms Sleep and MS podcast - podcast from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/sleep-problems-msHeat sensitivity and MS - podcast from MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/heat-sensitivity-and-msWhy do you keep needing to get up to go to the loo during the night? - information from The MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/news/why-do-you-keep-needing-get-go-loo-during-nightUK MS register: ukmsregister.org
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Fear of falling with MS - and what to do if you do have a fall
Jul 2101:14:16Summary readySend us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Worried 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 and learn what steps to take if a fall occurs. We also delve into simple, effective strategies to build strength, boost confidence, and help you keep moving safely with MS. Listen now to hear real life stories, expert information and more.Donate to the MS Trust to support this podcast - donate.mstrust.org.uk Episode notesFalls mstrust.org.uk/a-z/falls - information from MS TrustBalance mstrust.org.uk/a-z/balance - information from MS TrustWill asks the expert about balance and dizziness mstrust.org.uk/information-support/podcasts/will-asks-expert-about-balance-and-dizziness - podcast from MS Trust Functional exercises to support everyday tasks mstrust.org.uk/information-support/exercise-ms/exercises-support-everyday-tasks - workout videos to help with getting up from the floor and balance Before beginning any new exercise or activity, please consult with your GP or MS care team. If you experience pain or discomfort, stop immediately and speak to your physiotherapist. Always listen to your body and make choices that are right for you.
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