MS specialist neurology · UK-wide
Multiple sclerosis treatment, by an MS specialist neurology team.
A named MS neurologist, a specialist MS nurse and the full DMT menu - from interferon-beta and glatiramer to ocrelizumab, natalizumab, cladribine and AHSCT referrals - matched to your disease, not the clinic’s diary.
Why patients choose us
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A named MS neurologist and MS nurse
Not a generalist and not a rotating locum. A consultant MS neurologist plus a specialist MS nurse who knows your history, your MRI and your DMT.
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Every DMT on the table - not just what the clinic stocks
From interferon-beta and glatiramer to ocrelizumab, natalizumab, cladribine and AHSCT referrals. We match the drug to the disease, not the diary.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private MS treatment costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner MS centres. NICE-approved DMTs are usually NHS-funded at a specialist centre; private routes are quoted firmly within one working day.
In short
A first MS neurology consultation in our network: £350–£550, MRI and LP arranged within days.
| Service | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS neurology consultation (initial) | £350–£550 | 60 min | Same visit |
| Follow-up MS neurology review | £200–£350 | 30 min | Same visit |
| MRI brain and cervical cord (with contrast) | £800–£1,400 | 45–60 min | 2–5 days |
| Lumbar puncture with OCB analysis | £600–£1,200 | 30–45 min | 10–14 days |
| First-line oral DMT (monthly, private) | £600–£1,100 | Ongoing | Monthly |
| High-efficacy DMT infusion (per cycle) | £3,500–£8,000 | Half-day | Per protocol |
| IV methylprednisolone relapse course | £900–£1,800 | 3–5 days | Same week |
| AHSCT (NHS-commissioned specialist centre) | £75,000–£150,000 | 4–6 weeks inpatient | Referral pathway |
Prices vary by centre, by DMT chosen, by monitoring intensity and by whether infusions are given day-case or inpatient. NICE-approved DMTs are commissioned by the NHS at MS specialist centres; private DMT costs are drug plus monitoring plus infusion suite.
The problem
The right neurologist, the right DMT, the right symptom plan.
MS care is one of the most fragmented pathways in UK medicine - long waits, generalist appointments, DMT choices made by what a clinic stocks rather than what your disease is doing. We fix all three before you commit.
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Diagnosis in the balance?
McDonald 2017 done properly - MRI, clinical, LP for OCB where needed, NMOSD and MOG-antibody ruled out first.
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DMT decision looming?
The full menu weighed against your relapse rate, MRI, EDSS, comorbidity and fertility plans - not just what the clinic infuses.
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Symptoms left unaddressed?
Spasticity, fatigue, bladder, pain and mood have specific pathways. We stitch them into one plan alongside the DMT.
The journey
From enquiry to DMT and rehab - what happens, in order.
One MS neurologist and one MS nurse from first message to long-term follow-up - including the neuro-rehab team.
Phase 1 · Before your appointment
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · At the centre
Consultation, MDT, treatment
Phase 3 · After
Monitoring and rehab
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, prior relapses, MRI history, any DMTs tried, and how the disease is affecting daily life.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right MS neurologist, an indicative plan, and whether McDonald 2017 criteria or a fresh MRI/LP are needed first.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within one to two weeks. MRI, bloods and lumbar puncture organised where indicated; JC virus, hepatitis and TB screening for high-efficacy DMTs.
- 04
At the centre
Consultation and MDT discussion
A full neurology assessment, EDSS scoring, MRI review, and shared decision-making on DMT choice - informed by relapse rate, MRI activity, fertility plans and comorbidity.
- 05
At the centre
Starting treatment
Oral, injectable or infusion DMT initiated per NICE-approved pathway; acute relapses treated with IV methylprednisolone where indicated.
- 06
At the centre
Symptom plan alongside the DMT
Spasticity, fatigue, bladder, mood, pain and mobility addressed in parallel - not left for the next appointment.
- 07
After
Monitoring and rehab
Ongoing MRI surveillance, bloods, MS nurse review, and referral into neuro-rehab - physio, OT, SLT, neuropsychology - where it earns its keep.
Typical end-to-end from enquiry to DMT start: 2–4 weeks. Monitoring and rehab: ongoing, lifelong.
When it helps
When specialist MS treatment is the right step.
The scenarios we see most, plus the red flag that means an emergency rather than an appointment.
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Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
The commonest onset pattern - around 85% at diagnosis. Discrete relapses with partial or full recovery between; DMTs change the trajectory.
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Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
Accumulating disability after an initial relapsing phase. Fewer DMT options but ocrelizumab and symptom management still matter.
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Primary progressive MS (PPMS)
10–15% of people from onset. Progressive from the start; ocrelizumab is the only DMT currently approved.
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Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
A first neurological episode suggestive of MS. Early MRI and DMT decisions can delay conversion to definite MS.
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Acute relapse or new MRI activity
A new attack, or new/enhancing MRI lesions on surveillance - often the trigger to escalate to a higher-efficacy DMT.
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DMT review or switch
Breakthrough activity, side effects, JC virus seroconversion on natalizumab, or family planning - reasons to re-open the DMT conversation.
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Complex symptoms needing MDT
Spasticity, bladder, pain, fatigue and mood rarely respond to one drug alone - MS nurse, neuro-rehab and specialist input in parallel.
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Red flag: suspected optic neuritis or myelitis
Sudden vision loss, severe weakness or bladder retention with sensory level is an emergency - same-day A&E, not a clinic booking.
Treatment options
The full DMT menu, plus relapse and symptom care.
What each option actually involves - and which patients each is best suited to. Shared decision-making, not a menu.
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First-line / modest-efficacy DMTs
Interferon-beta (Avonex, Rebif, Plegridy, Betaferon), glatiramer (Copaxone), teriflunomide (Aubagio) and dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera). Familiar, safer profile, modest relapse reduction.
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Moderate-efficacy S1P modulators
Fingolimod (Gilenya), ozanimod (Zeposia) and ponesimod (Ponvory). Oral, once-daily, with cardiac and infection monitoring at initiation.
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High-efficacy monoclonals
Natalizumab (Tysabri), ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), ofatumumab (Kesimpta) and off-label rituximab. Strong relapse and MRI-activity control; PML and infection risks to weigh.
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Induction / immune-reconstitution
Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) and cladribine (Mavenclad) - short courses with long tails. Powerful, closely monitored, autoimmunity risk with alemtuzumab.
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Ocrelizumab for PPMS
The only DMT approved for primary progressive MS. Six-monthly infusion; the evidence sits mainly with younger patients and active MRI.
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AHSCT for aggressive RRMS
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation at Sheffield, Nottingham, Kings or Manchester. Highly effective in the right patient; real toxicity - a specialist decision.
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Relapse and symptom management
IV methylprednisolone for acute relapses; baclofen, gabapentin, fampridine, botox, ITB pumps, antimuscarinics and neuromodulation for symptoms - matched to what is actually limiting you.
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BTK inhibitors on the horizon
Tolebrutinib, evobrutinib and others in late-phase trials through 2024–25. Not yet standard, but we flag trials where you might fit.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of MS specialists, we picked them.
Consultant MS neurologists at Queen Square, Sheffield, Nottingham, Cambridge, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff - plus MS nurses and neuro-rehab teams. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every MS neurologist in our network.
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Consultant MS neurologists at recognised UK MS centres, not generalists
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Specialist MS nurse involved from the first appointment onward
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MDT input on high-efficacy DMTs, AHSCT and complex symptom cases
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Neuro-rehab access - physio, OT, SLT, neuropsychology and dietitian
Safety and monitoring
What to expect from a modern MS pathway - honestly.
MS treatment in 2026 is highly individualised. The things worth planning are diagnosis rigour, DMT choice, screening, relapse care, symptom pathways, pregnancy planning and MRI surveillance.
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Diagnosis follows McDonald 2017
Dissemination in space and time on MRI, supported by clinical history and - where needed - lumbar puncture for oligoclonal bands. NMOSD and MOG-antibody disease are ruled out before committing to an MS DMT.
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DMT choice is a shared decision
Relapse rate, MRI activity, EDSS, comorbidity, fertility plans, needle tolerance and safety appetite all count. The right drug is the one you will actually take and monitor.
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High-efficacy DMTs need screening
JC virus antibody index, hepatitis B and C, HIV, TB and vaccinations before natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, alemtuzumab or cladribine. Missed screening is the commonest avoidable harm.
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Relapses: steroids, then plasma exchange
IV methylprednisolone 1g/day for 3–5 days (or oral equivalent) is standard for disabling relapses. Plasma exchange is reserved for severe, steroid-refractory attacks in specialist centres.
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Symptoms deserve equal airtime
Spasticity, fatigue, bladder, bowel, pain, mood, cognition, sexual function and mobility all have specific pathways - not just “live with it.” Fampridine, botox, ITB, sacral neuromodulation, CBT and neuro-rehab all in the mix.
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Pregnancy and DMT planning
Some DMTs are contraindicated (DMF needs a wash-out; teriflunomide has a long half-life and needs active elimination). Glatiramer, interferon-beta and - in selected high-risk cases - natalizumab may be continued. Breastfeeding compatibility varies.
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MRI surveillance is not optional
Annual (or more frequent) brain and cord MRI catches subclinical activity that changes the DMT decision long before the next relapse.
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AHSCT is powerful and toxic
For aggressive RRMS failing high-efficacy DMTs, autologous stem cell transplant at a UK specialist centre can be transformative - but neutropenic sepsis, infertility and secondary autoimmunity are real. A joint neurology–haematology decision.
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Red flags
Sudden vision loss, severe new weakness, bladder retention with a sensory level, or fever on a high-efficacy DMT are not clinic problems - same-day A&E or the MS nurse hotline.
Reading your MS clinic letter
Your MS letter in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever DMT was chosen, the letter your MS neurologist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Neurology letters are precise and can read coldly - we translate them for you.
If you would like your MS nurse or one of our team to talk you through the letter before your next review, just ask.
- 01 Header
MS type, McDonald criteria and current activity
Whether the diagnosis is RRMS, SPMS or PPMS; how McDonald 2017 criteria were met; and where you sit on relapse rate and MRI activity today.
- 02 Technique
DMT choice, dose and monitoring plan
Which DMT was chosen and why, the starting dose, and the monitoring schedule - bloods, MRI intervals, JCV index, vaccination and infection screening.
- 03 Findings
Symptom plan and rehab referrals
Spasticity, fatigue, bladder, bowel, mood, pain, cognition and mobility - with named treatments and neuro-rehab referrals rather than vague reassurance.
- 04 Impression
What to watch for, and when to call
Read this first: relapse warning signs, DMT-specific side effects, when to use the MS nurse hotline, and when to go straight to A&E.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for MS consultations, MRI and lumbar puncture is usually funded when medically indicated. DMTs on private cover vary widely - many patients use NHS DMT commissioning alongside private consultations. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about MS treatment.
Quick answers on diagnosis, DMT choice, relapse care, symptoms, pregnancy and AHSCT.
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How is MS diagnosed in the UK?
Diagnosis follows the McDonald 2017 criteria - dissemination in space and time on MRI, supported by the clinical story and, where helpful, a lumbar puncture showing oligoclonal bands unique to CSF. Aquaporin-4 and MOG antibodies are checked to rule out NMOSD and MOG-antibody disease before starting an MS DMT.
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Which disease-modifying therapy is right for me?
It depends on your relapse rate, MRI activity, EDSS, safety appetite, fertility plans and comorbidity. NICE-approved options run from modest-efficacy (interferon-beta, glatiramer, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate) through S1P modulators (fingolimod, ozanimod, ponesimod) to high-efficacy monoclonals (natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab), induction therapies (alemtuzumab, cladribine) and - in aggressive cases - AHSCT. It is a shared decision, not a menu.
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Is there a DMT for primary progressive MS?
Yes - ocrelizumab is the only DMT currently approved for PPMS on the NHS, and the evidence sits mainly with younger patients who still show active MRI lesions. Symptom management and neuro-rehab remain the backbone alongside it.
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How much does private MS treatment cost in the UK?
A consultation runs £350–£550, MRI brain and cord £800–£1,400, and lumbar puncture with OCB analysis £600–£1,200. Private DMTs range from £600–£1,100 a month for first-line oral drugs to £3,500–£8,000 per cycle for high-efficacy infusions. AHSCT is NHS-commissioned at £75,000–£150,000 through specialist centres.
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How are MS relapses treated?
Disabling relapses are treated with IV methylprednisolone 1g/day for 3–5 days (or oral equivalent). Plasma exchange is reserved for severe, steroid-refractory attacks in specialist centres. Steroids shorten the attack - they do not change the long-term disease course, which is why DMTs matter.
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What about symptoms - spasticity, fatigue, bladder, pain?
Each has its own pathway. Spasticity: baclofen, gabapentin, tizanidine, botox, intrathecal baclofen for severe. Fatigue: amantadine, modafinil off-label, energy conservation, exercise. Bladder: intermittent catheterisation, antimuscarinics, botox, sacral neuromodulation. Pain: gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline. Mood: CBT, SSRI/SNRI. Mobility: fampridine (Fampyra), gait aids, FES and neuro-rehab.
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Can I have a baby on a DMT?
Yes, with planning. DMF needs a wash-out; teriflunomide has a long half-life and needs active elimination. Glatiramer, interferon-beta and - for selected high-relapse-risk women - natalizumab may be continued. Breastfeeding compatibility varies by drug. Plan it with your MS neurologist and MS nurse, not in the delivery suite.
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Is AHSCT (stem cell transplant) available in the UK for MS?
Yes - for aggressive RRMS failing high-efficacy DMTs, autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is NHS-commissioned at Sheffield, Nottingham, Kings and Manchester. It can be highly effective but carries real toxicity (neutropenic sepsis, infertility, secondary autoimmunity) - a joint neurology–haematology decision, not a first line.
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What is on the horizon for MS treatment?
BTK inhibitors - tolebrutinib, evobrutinib and others - are in late-phase trials through 2024–25 and may add a new mechanism, particularly for progressive disease. We flag trials where you might fit, without overselling them.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Natalizumab (Tysabri) for MS
High-efficacy monthly infusion - JCV monitoring built in.
Learn more -
Neurological rehabilitation
Physio, OT, SLT and neuropsychology as one team.
Learn more -
Neuromodulation
ITB pumps and sacral nerve stimulation for MS symptoms.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more