Managing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: Practical Strategies for Daily Life

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) often means navigating a wide range of symptoms that can affect mobility, cognition, mood, and overall quality of life. The encouraging news: with the right support and a personalized care plan, many people with MS continue to lead full, active, and engaged lives. 

In the newest episode of Elliot Health Talks, Dr. Ann Cabot, neurologist at Elliot Health System, shares how she works with patients to understand their symptoms, identify what’s truly MS‑related, and build a multidisciplinary plan that supports long‑term wellness. 

Understanding Day‑to‑Day Symptoms 

No two MS journeys look the same. Dr. Cabot emphasizes that symptoms vary widely, some patients experience very few, while others manage several at once. Because MS affects the central nervous system, symptoms can arise anywhere along the brain and spinal cord. 

One of the most common and often invisible symptoms is fatigue. Dr. Cabot and her team begin by ruling out other causes such as sleep issues, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects. From there, they collaborate with physical and occupational therapists to build non‑medication strategies first, adding symptom‑management medications only when needed. 

Mobility and Balance Challenges 

Mobility issues are among the more visible symptoms of MS. Patients may notice changes in gait, balance, or strength. Dr. Cabot explains that balance problems can stem from several sources, sensory loss, weakness, or vestibular issues, making a thorough evaluation essential. 

Elliot Health System’s multidisciplinary rehab team plays a central role. Exercise is a cornerstone of mobility care, and therapists tailor programs to each patient’s needs. When appropriate, assistive devices such as braces or electronic support can help with issues like foot drop or spasticity, improving safety, and independence. 

Cognitive Changes: Memory, Focus, and Processing 

Cognitive symptoms such as memory lapses or brain fog can be especially frustrating. Fortunately, Dr. Cabot notes that severe cognitive decline is uncommon in MS. Cognitive testing helps patients understand their baseline and identify contributing factors. 

Fatigue, depression, stress, and other medical issues can all impact cognitive function. By addressing these underlying contributors and incorporating tools like cognitive exercises or cognitive behavioral therapy, many patients experience meaningful improvement. 

Emotional Health: Anxiety, Depression, and Stress 

MS doesn’t just affect the body, it can influence emotional well‑being too. Anxiety and depression are common in the general population, but the added stress of managing a chronic autoimmune condition can intensify these feelings. 

Dr. Cabot stresses the importance of treating emotional health as part of MS care. When mood symptoms go unaddressed, it becomes harder for patients to manage other aspects of their condition. While she is not a psychiatrist, she helps patients connect with the right mental health resources and supports them in building resilience. 

Addressing Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Health 

Bladder and bowel symptoms are extremely common in MS, yet many patients hesitate to bring them up. Dr. Cabot encourages open conversations, noting that these issues are often highly treatable and treating them can prevent a cascade of social withdrawal, reduced activity, and worsening mood or cognition. 

From pelvic floor therapy to medication to lifestyle strategies, the care team works to restore confidence and quality of life. 

Assistive Devices and Long‑Term Support 

For patients experiencing weakness or mobility limitations, assistive devices can make a significant difference. Options range from braces to electronic devices that support foot movement, as well as therapies that address secondary musculoskeletal issues that develop over time. 

The goal is always the same: maintain independence, safety, and participation in daily life. 

The MS Journey: How Symptom Management Evolves 

Every patient’s MS journey is unique. Newly diagnosed individuals on high‑efficacy therapies may never experience significant symptoms, which is a remarkable shift from decades past. Others who have lived with MS for 30 or 40 years may manage more complex symptom profiles due to limited treatment options earlier in life. 

Dr. Cabot encourages patients to communicate openly, ask questions, and give themselves time, often a year or two, to feel confident in their path forward. 

Learn More 

For more information about neurological services and MS care at Elliot Health System, visit ElliotHospital.org/MS. 

And don’t forget — you can listen to the full conversation with Dr. Cabot here.