About MS

You can find all of our free downloadable resources covering the subject 'About MS' here - the resources are available in a range of languages. Simply click on the resource to find out more and download.

Written resources

Genes and MS 101

Written resources

Genes carry information for the body, like the blueprints for different kinds of proteins. Some gene variants may increase our…

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English, Macedonian

Silent progression of MS (booklet)

Written resources

This educational booklet brings people with or affected by MS, a new perspective on MS, and a better understanding of…

Slovenský zväz sclerosis multiplex

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Slovak, English

Understanding MS: An introductory guide

Written resources

This guide is designed to give you a better understanding of MS and thus feel better informed to make the…

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Atlas of MS 2020 – Clinical management report

Written resources

The Atlas of MS is the most comprehensive worldwide study of the epidemiology of MS and the global availability and…

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English, Spanish, Arabic

For family and friends – when someone close to you has MS

Written resources

This booklet is directed to family and friends of people with MS. It covers common questions and worries, what to…

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25 Questions and answers about MS

Written resources

This booklet looks at 25 frequently asked questions about MS. It includes concise but informative answers from medical professionals. This…

Österreichische Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft

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Just diagnosed: An introduction to MS

Written resources

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with MS, you’ve probably got lots of questions about what life will be like. This…

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Plaintalk: A Booklet about MS for Families

Written resources

MS affects not only the individuals with MS, but also their family members and friends. Plaintalk explores some of the…

National MS Society USA

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Tell me about MS: For parents

Written resources

One of the most important challenges for parents with MS is helping their children understand the disease and its variable…

Esclerosis Múltiple España

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Tell me about MS: For kids

Written resources

One of the most important challenges for parents with MS is helping their children understand the disease and its variable…

Esclerosis Múltiple España

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Someone you know has MS: A book for families

Written resources

A story about Michael and his family explains MS and explores children’s fears and concerns. For children, 5-12. Note to parents:…

National MS Society USA

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English, Spanish

Keep S’Myelin: An activity book about MS for kids

Written resources

The Keep S’myelin Activity Book is a 28-page colorful, engaging, informative, and reassuring interactive publication to help children and their…

MS Society of Canada, National MS Society USA

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English, Spanish, English, Polish, French

Pediatric MS and other demyelinating disorders in childhood

Written resources

Current understanding, diagnosis and management The International Pediatric MS Study Group have written a series of articles, highlighting the advances,…

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English, Arabic, Polish, Spanish, Italian

Ageing with MS

Written resources

Published in 2015, this issue of MS in focus magazine is focused on ageing with MS. At the time of…

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English, Arabic, French, Spanish

Bladder and Bowel

Written resources

This issue of MS in focus is dedicated to elimination dysfunction; that is, bladder and bowel problems. Often these two…

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English, Arabic, German, Italian

Information, Technology and MS

Written resources

This edition of MS in focus is about information: where to find it, how to use it to be empowered,…

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English, French, Italian

Childhood MS: a guide for parents

Written resources

MS is usually thought of as an adult condition, but children and teenagers can also develop it. If your child…

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English, Arabic, Dutch, Polish, Romanian, Spanish

MS and cognition

Written resources

It was only in the 1970’s that researchers began studying the neuropsychological aspects of MS using healthy control groups for…

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English, Arabic, French, German, Spanish

Young People with MS

Written resources

This issue of MS in Focus targets adults between 18 and 35 years of age, but the issues may apply…

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English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Polish

Is It MS?

Written resources

MS is a disease surrounded by questions. From the first disturbing symptom, through to the process of confirming (or not)…

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English, Arabic, Chinese, French

MS and Fatigue

Written resources

Fatigue is still one of the most common symptoms for people with MS, and unfortunately, still one of the most…

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English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, German, Italian, Spanish

Pharmacological treatments in MS

Written resources

The fact that pharmacological options now exist for some people with MS means they need to be increasingly more informed…

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English, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish

Research in MS

Written resources

In this issue of MS in focus, our aim is to provide a comprehensive presentation of how scientifically valid research…

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English, Dutch, Italian

Employment and MS

Written resources

Work provides opportunities for maintaining or sometimes improving one’s standard of living, for forming new relationships, for learning new things,…

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English, French, German, Spanish

Global Economic Impact of MS

Written resources

To help raise awareness of the high global costs of MS, this literature review provides international data that are useful…

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Tremor and ataxia in MS

Written resources

Tremor and ataxia are both symptoms of MS that impact movement. Tremor is described as an unintentional, rhythmic, muscle movement…

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English, Dutch, German, Spanish

Disease courses in MS

Written resources

This issue of MS in focus provides detailed descriptions of the various types of MS and how each is diagnosed…

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English, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Stem cells and Remyelination in MS

Written resources

This issue focus’ on stem cells and remyelination in MS. Understanding research involving stem cells is complicated. In this issue…

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English, Dutch, German

Spasticity in MS

Written resources

Spasticity is an inadequately acknowledged but extremely common symptom related to MS. It is estimated that as many as 85…

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English, Dutch, German

Caregiving and MS

Written resources

Today, in many countries, the term carer or caregiver has a broad meaning. Voluntary carers can be family members, friends…

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English, Spanish

Pain and MS

Written resources

Pain is a common symptom in MS. Those who experience pain feel its effects on their daily life activities, such…

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English, Spanish, German

Rehabilitation

Written resources

Multiple sclerosis is a complex neurological disease that manifests itself in diverse, often co-existing symptoms that affect a person’s mobility…

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English, German, Italian, Spanish

Genetics and hereditary aspects of MS

Written resources

Genes and MS is a complicated topic and is relevant for many people with MS and their families. Although the…

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English, German, Spanish

Healthy Living

Written resources

Healthy living is the topic of this issue of MS in Focus. For people with MS, healthy living can have…

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English, German, Italian, Spanish

Seven principles to improve quality of life with MS

Written resources

In 2005, we published a set of principles – a kind of “gold standard” – setting out what any person with…

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English, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Polish, Spanish

Special Focus on the Family

Written resources

Learning to cope with a chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis is not only a challenge for the person who…

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English, Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish

Videos, webinars and podcasts

An introduction to MS animation

Videos, webinars and podcasts

This animation is a brief introduction about the pathology of MS and life with MS. The video explains the way…

Multipel Sklerose Forbundet I Norge

Languages available

How to support someone with MS

Videos, webinars and podcasts

In this video, psychologist and psychotherapist Agata Wiśniewska talks about supporting people with MS. She provides expert advice on what…

Polskie Towarzystwo Stwardnienia Rozsianego

Languages available

Ask about MS: Communicating about MS

Videos, webinars and podcasts

How will others react to finding out about my MS? How do I talk to my doctor about my MS?…

Polskie Towarzystwo Stwardnienia Rozsianego

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Ask about MS: Questions for your neurologist

Videos, webinars and podcasts

How have highly effective therapies changed MS disease course? Why is it important to start treatment early? How do I…

Polskie Towarzystwo Stwardnienia Rozsianego

Languages available

Hear from the experts: How to take charge of your MS

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Deciding between different options for managing your MS can be overwhelming, and it can take time to work out what’s…

MS Society of Canada

Languages available

English, French

Self-advocacy: Your voice matters

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Self-advocacy is important for people with MS in a variety of ways. From educating yourself and others, empowering yourself to…

MS Society of Canada

Languages available

Tips for advocating with your healthcare professional

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Time with your healthcare team can be limited, so it is important to make the most of it. In this…

MS Society of Canada

Languages available

Ask an MS Expert: Managing MS relapses

Videos, webinars and podcasts

MS is unpredictable and affects everyone differently – as such, no two relapses are the same. In this webinar, neurologist…

National MS Society USA

Languages available

Ask an MS Expert: MS therapies – how to work with your pharmacist

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Disease modifying therapies are an integral part of managing your MS. In this webinar, Clinical Pharmacist Ross Tingen, discusses everything…

National MS Society USA

Languages available

My Invisible MS – World MS Day 2019

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Many symptoms of multiple sclerosis are invisible, or can be hard to notice. For World MS Day 2019, people across…

Languages available

English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Portuguese

I Connect, We Connect Animation – World MS Day 2020

Videos, webinars and podcasts

We asked people from around the world to share their experiences of MS, loneliness and connection. Hear from Seetharam, Eva,…

Languages available

English, Spanish, Arabic, French, Portuguese

Not Alone – World MS Day 2021

Videos, webinars and podcasts

We asked people with MS around the world to tell us about the people who support them. ‘Not Alone’ raises…

Languages available

English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese

MS Mythbusters: ‘Exercise makes MS symptoms worse’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. In this episode, Dr Yvonne Learmonth busts the…

Languages available

MS Mythbusters: ‘Abnormal lipid levels can only be managed by medication’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. In this episode, Associate Professor Ingrid van der…

Languages available

MS Mythbusters: ‘Supplements might not help but they can’t hurt’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. In this episode, Dr Wolfgang Marx busts the…

Languages available

MS Mythbusters: ‘I have MS therefore my kid will get MS’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. Although MS does have a genetic component, that…

Languages available

MS Mythbusters: ‘All MS diets are safe’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. In this episode, Dr Lucinda Black busts the…

Languages available

MS Mythbusters: ‘Heat and exercise can cause relapse’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. Many people with MS experience heat sensitivity and…

Languages available

MS Mythbusters: ‘I have MS therefore I can’t work’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. Everyone’s situation is different however people with MS…

Languages available

MS Mythbusters: ‘Depression and anxiety are just something that people with MS have to live with’

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Learn more about a common misconception in MS from this short video. In this episode, Associate Professor Ingrid van der…

Languages available

MS in a minute: Biomarkers

Videos, webinars and podcasts

In the MS in a minute videos, you will be briefly introduced to an MS related concept and given an…

Languages available

MS in a minute: Relapses

Videos, webinars and podcasts

In the MS in a minute videos, you will be briefly introduced to an MS related concept and given an…

Languages available

MS in a minute: Lesions

Videos, webinars and podcasts

In the MS in a minute videos, you will be briefly introduced to an MS related concept and given an…

Languages available

Living with MS and advice for the newly diagnosed

Videos, webinars and podcasts

People with MS, researchers and neurologists discuss life with MS. They explain what MS is, the different types of MS,…

Languages available

Ask an MS Expert: Faces of MS

Videos, webinars and podcasts

There is no one ‘face of MS’. MS affects all ages, races, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations. In this episode…

National MS Society USA

Languages available

Women and MS Webinar

Videos, webinars and podcasts

In this webinar, organised for International Women’s Day, Dr Maria Gaughan discusses topics relating to the female experience of MS…

Languages available

Accepting a diagnosis of MS

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Accepting a diagnosis of MS can be difficult. In this webinar from MS Ireland, Mark Mulrooney, Clinical Neuropsychologist, discusses coming…

Languages available

What is it with hormones and MS?

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Australia’s annual Women’s Health Week is a great reminder to take time out to check in on your health and…

Languages available

Ask an MS expert: MS throughout Life Stages

Videos, webinars and podcasts

This program will look at special considerations for managing MS throughout many stages of life, including pediatric MS, pregnancy and…

National MS Society USA

Languages available

Kids Get MS, too

Videos, webinars and podcasts

Discover what it’s like to navigate a diagnosis of pediatric MS as you explore stories of children, teens, parents, and…

National MS Society USA

Languages available

English, German, French, Italian

Graphics

Introducing primary progressive MS (Poster)

This poster introduces primary progressive MS, which affects about 10 to 15 per cent of people with MS. It also…

Polskie Towarzystwo Stwardnienia Rozsianego

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Myths & Truths #7

There are many common misconceptions about MS. This poster tackles the misconception that everyone with MS will end up in…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Myths & Truths #6

There are many common misconceptions about MS. This poster tackles the misconception that a person with MS should not exercise.…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Myths & Truths #5

There are many common misconceptions about MS. This poster tackles the misconception that MS is a terminal condition. This poster…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Myths & Truths #4

There are many common misconceptions about MS. This poster tackles the misconception that people with MS can’t work. This poster…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Myths & Truths #3

There are many common misconceptions about MS. This poster tackles the misconception that people with MS can’t have children. This…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Myths & Truths #2

There are many common misconceptions about MS. This poster tackles the misconception that because MS has no cure, scientists are…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Myths & Truths #1

There are many common misconceptions about MS. This poster tackles the misconception that MS is the same for everyone. This…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

A history of MS #5 – 2017

MS research is bringing us closer to ending MS. In 2017 the world’s first treatment for primary progressive MS was…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

A history of MS #4 – 1993

MS research is bringing us closer to ending MS. In 1993, the first country approved the first ever disease modifying…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

A history of MS #3 – 1981

MS research is bringing us closer to ending MS. In 1981 the first MRI scans of people with MS allowed…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

A history of MS #2 – 1967

MS research is bringing us closer to ending MS. In 1967, the MS International Federation was established. Find out more…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

A history of MS #1 – 1868

MS research is bringing us closer to ending MS. MS was first defined in 1868. Find out more about the…

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English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish