This episode of the BeeWellwithMS Podcast opens the “assistive technology toolbox” for people with MS, from everyday tools to specialist equipment and emerging tech, using catalog labels (established, specialist assessment, emerging/research, limited access) and emphasizing function-first choices over shopping. It highlights smartphones as a major assistive device (dictation, screen reading, magnification, captions, reminders, routines, and travel/toilet planning), mobility options like AFOs, FES, walking aids, wheelchairs and power-assist (with proper assessment and environmental adaptations), and low-tech adaptations for hands plus workplace support via Access to Work. It covers brain fog, fatigue planning, heat sensitivity and cooling, bladder diaries and planning, smart home control, and communication/AAC including voice banking. “Wow shelf” examples include the Cionic Neural Sleeve, grasp gloves, stair-climbing wheelchairs, rehab robotics/exoskeletons, eye-gaze communication, and camera-enabled glasses, ending with seven practical questions before trials or purchases.

00:00 Assistive Tech Teaser
01:22 Ground Rules and Labels
03:03 Your Phone as Assistive Tech
05:44 Mobility and Gait Support
09:17 Hands and Work Setup
10:43 Brain Fog and Fatigue Tools
13:57 Heat and Bladder Planning
15:50 Smart Home and Communication
17:31 The Wow Shelf Tech
21:37 Seven Questions Before Buying
23:58 Wrap Up and Takeaways





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In this BeeWellWithMS podcast episode, the host reflects on an animated infographic listing many possible MS symptoms and the responses it sparked, including the feeling that “everyone thinks I’m okay” and the idea that an unpredictable body can reveal steady inner strength. The episode focuses on how one of the hardest parts of MS can be not knowing what version of your body you’ll wake up with, especially when changes aren’t visible to others. Rather than trying to “fix” the body, the host introduces mindfulness as a way to distinguish between symptoms and the struggle built around them, meeting what is present without fighting yourself. A short guided practice invites noticing the body, approaching sensations with curiosity and kindness, choosing where attention goes, and asking, “What do you need from me today?”

00:00 Welcome and the viral image
01:20 The hidden reality of MS
02:41 Mindfulness vs the struggle
04:21 Settle in for a short practice
07:25 Curiosity toward sensations
08:30 Kindness and shifting attention
10:05 Widen the lens beyond symptoms
11:20 Ask what you need today
13:03 Reflecting on fear vs curiosity
14:28 Closing thanks and invitation


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This is a landmark moment for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in England. After many years of campaigning, fampridine (prolonged-release 4-aminopyridine) is now routinely available on the NHS for eligible people with MS-related walking difficulties. In this video I explain: ✅ Why this NHS decision is so important
✅ How fampridine actually works inside damaged nerves
✅ Why only some people respond to treatment
✅ What to expect during the NHS 2–4 week treatment trial
✅ Who can and cannot take fampridine
✅ Common side effects and important safety information
✅ What happens if you stop taking it
✅ The latest research on real-world benefits beyond walking Fampridine is not a disease-modifying treatment and it is not a cure for MS, but for some people it can make a meaningful difference to walking speed, confidence and day-to-day mobility. Because there is currently no test that predicts who will respond, the only way to know is through a carefully monitored treatment trial with your MS team. If you or someone you know has MS and walking has become more difficult, this video explains everything you need to know before discussing fampridine with your neurologist or MS nurse. Chapters 00:00 A long-awaited NHS change
01:10 What is fampridine?
02:25 How MS disrupts nerve signals
04:15 How fampridine works
06:05 Why some people respond—and others don't
08:45 The latest real-world evidence
10:40 NHS eligibility and treatment trial
13:00 Safety, contraindications and side effects
16:30 Taking fampridine correctly
18:15 What happens if treatment stops?
19:30 A realistic message of hope

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The episode explains MS treatments using a “train” analogy: immune cells travel toward the brain and spinal cord, and in multiple sclerosis some mistakenly attack myelin. Different therapies stop the process at different points by slowing new immune cell production, trapping cells in lymph nodes, blocking entry into the brain, or resetting parts of the immune system. It highlights that today’s treatments are highly effective at reducing relapses, preventing new MRI lesions, and slowing disability progression, but notes MS can still gradually progress even when relapses stop and scans look stable. The script emphasizes the need for new therapies targeting smouldering processes inside the brain and explains that regular blood monitoring helps ensure treatment remains safe, effective, and appropriate, encouraging viewers to subscribe to the Be Well with MS Podcast.

00:00 MS Treatments Explained
00:21 Stopping the Immune Train
00:36 How Effective Are DMTs
00:47 Progression Beyond Relapses
00:58 New Targets and Monitoring
01:14 Protecting the Brain Ahead
01:30 Subscribe and Goodbye





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This episode includes AI-generated content.

World MS Day: Letting Go of Guilt, Social Media Myths, and Practicing Self-Compassion

On World MS Day, Dr. Agne Straukiene hosts BeeWellwithMS and speaks with Helena, host of the MS Trust podcast, about the often-invisible burden of guilt and self-blame in multiple sclerosis. They discuss how people with MS may blame stress, lifestyle, diet, or effort for relapses and new lesions despite not knowing what causes MS, and how social media “cures,” restrictive wellness trends, and misinformation can worsen anxiety and costs. Helena shares her experience of stable years followed by new lesions, how documenting patterns, running, and seasonal awareness helped her manage MS symptoms, and how CBT tools (like addressing catastrophizing and the “worry tree”) improved sleep and self-talk. They emphasize balancing evidence-based MS treatment and disease modifying treatment with quality of life, using community support wisely, and remembering that healthy MS diet and exercises support wellbeing but don’t prevent every relapse or smoldering MS change.

00:00 World MS Day Intro
00:55 The Hidden Burden Guilt
01:47 Meet Helena and Set the Tone
02:47 Diagnosis and Searching for Causes
06:32 When New Lesions Trigger Blame
11:31 Tracking Patterns and Running
16:29 Lifestyle Helps Not Perfect Control
19:29 Optimization Culture and Food Guilt
21:27 Misinformation and Miracle Cures
26:03 CBT Tools for Anxiety
30:39 Community Connection and Reality Checks
37:05 Final Message Compassion Over Blame


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Dr Agne Straukiene films a mindful walk in Cockington Village park in Torquay, dedicating the video to people who struggle to get out due to mobility difficulties, such as wheelchair users without ramps. Agne invites viewers to spend a few minutes listening to birds, noticing spring, and appreciating nature’s beauty despite background sounds like toddlers. The walk includes stopping by a small cafe to enjoy water and ice cream while resting and regaining energy, reflecting on nature’s therapeutic power and the idea that life is beautiful but often overcomplicated. They point out a “princess tree,” observe bees working in the new season, share that pine trees are her favorite due to growing up by the Baltic Sea in Lithuania, and end with simple wellbeing tips: focus on breathing with two or three deep breaths and, if possible, go outside to explore nature.




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In this episode of the BeewellwithMS Podcast, Dr. Agne Straukiene, a neurologist, discusses the concept of 'invisible illness' in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Amy Thompson, founder of the MS Together charity. Amy shares her daily struggles with symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog, which are often invisible to others. They also explore the importance of communication, self-advocacy, and the need for empathetic understanding from society. The episode dives into the challenges of living with an invisible disability, the necessity of realistic goal-setting, and leveraging technology for support. Finally, the discussion highlights the value of creating safe, inclusive spaces for young people with MS to connect and share their experiences.

00:00 Introduction to BeewellwithMS
00:48 Understanding Invisible Symptoms
04:42 Communicating Needs and Building Empathy
11:04 Managing Ambitions and Productivity
14:31 The Role of Technology and Flexible Goals
17:12 MS Together: Creating Safe Spaces
23:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode, MS Neurologist Agne Straukiene explores the complex nature of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using metaphors from the popular TV series Stranger Things. She explains the different 'worlds' of MS: the visible symptoms and medical findings, the subtle day-to-day changes often not captured by scans, and the deep biological processes driving the disease. The video emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, ongoing treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle changes for better brain health. Dr. Straukiene also discusses the role of advanced technologies in understanding and managing MS.

00:00 Introduction and Stranger Things Connection
00:27 Understanding MS Through Different Worlds
02:27 The Visible World of MS
04:17 The Quiet World of MS
07:38 The Deep Drivers of MS Progression
10:35 The Wormhole: Connecting All Worlds
13:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


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In this episode of 'BeeWellwithMS,' host Dr. Agne Straukiene, a neurologist, welcomes Roxy Murray – a keynote speaker, patient advocate, and champion for diversity, inclusivity, and true health equity. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) herself, Roxy discusses her journey of balancing fashion and health, detailing how adaptive fashion can empower those with disabilities. The conversation delves into practical styling tips, adaptive methods, and the necessity of an evolved fashion industry that includes and celebrates disabled bodies. Listeners will gain insights into how functional and fashionable clothing can meet the unique needs of MS patients, covering topics like the impact of MS symptoms, adaptive beauty routines, and more.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:11 Roxy's Journey with MS and Fashion
05:54 Adaptive Fashion and Practical Tips
15:44 Footwear Challenges and Solutions
22:23 Hairstyles and Nail Care
30:27 The Future of Inclusive Fashion
38:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts





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Join Dr. Agne Straukiene, a neurologist specialising in Multiple Sclerosis, as she unveils groundbreaking treatments discussed at the ECTRIMS 2025 conference. Discover how BTK inhibitors like #Tolebrutinib, #Evobrutinib, #Orelabrutinib, #Remibrutinib, and #Fenebrutinib could revolutionize MS care by targeting both B cells and brain cells to reduce inflammation and progression. Learn about #Frexalimab's novel mechanism and promising trial results, the potential of combining #Clemastine and #Metformin for myelin repair, and remarkable long-term outcomes of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Explore the exciting advent of #CART cell therapy poised to change the future of MS treatment.

00:00 Introduction to MS and ECTRIMS 2025
00:24 Understanding BTK Inhibitors
01:05 Key BTK Inhibitors Discussed
04:00 Frexalimab: A New Approach
05:09 Combination Therapies: Clemastine and Metformin
06:05 Stem Cell Therapy: Long-term Outcomes
07:43 CAR T Cell Therapy: Cutting-edge Treatment
08:57 Conclusion and Future Outlook


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This episode includes AI-generated content.