Because MS is a highly variable disease, it is hard to give a general answer that would apply to everyone diagnosed with MS. Each person is affected differently and may experience a number of symptoms with varying degrees of severity and/or frequency. It is the severity of symptoms and possible resulting disability that will dictate the extent that work or education will be influenced. The possibility of some degree of disability in the long-term should not outweigh the fact that there can be many ongoing productive years for the person with MS.

Usually, people who have the benign form of the disease or whose symptoms are minimal and not visible will probably be able to continue with their usual employment and educational activities. If fatigue is a problem, they may have to plan for regular rest periods during the day.

People who have relapsing-remitting MS or who develop some level of disability will need to realistically evaluate their situation in many areas (e.g. physically, socially, cognitively) to decide on long-term as well as short-term strategies for work and education. People with MS should work with their employer and/or educational institutions to ensure their needs can be met.

The decision to share information as to whether you have MS is a matter of personal judgement. If you do not have visible symptoms there may be no reason to disclose a diagnosis of MS. On the other hand, many educational institutions (for example) will make special accommodations for persons with MS in regard to timetable, examinations, entry requirements etc, while maintaining a level of confidentiality.

The legal requirements to accommodate people who have disabilities vary from country to country. Your national MS society may be able to advise you of the situation in your country.

Job Planning

Because MS might bring about some physical and cognitive disability over time, it makes sense to realistically evaluate your current job in the light of these possible changes. If your job is very physically demanding, you might want to consider alternative jobs or retraining to reduce the physical nature of your occupation. In a more sedentary job, your physical limitations may not impact so greatly and you might be able to remain at work for many more years. Career counselling and vocational training may be available in your country.