Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Resources

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If you have a question about MS, need help managing it, or want to connect with others, reach out to these organizations.iStock

Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition, whether you’ve been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), have transitioned to secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), or are living with primary-progressive MS (PPMS). No matter what type of MS you have, here are some resources to help you learn about — and get access to — the MS care and treatment you need.

MS Information and More

All these organizations provide information about MS, many support MS research, and some offer such services as classes and in-person or online support groups.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society 800-344-4867

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 800-532-7667

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation 888-MSFOCUS (673-6287), 954-776-6805

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 800-352-9424

Brain&Life Patient education from the American Academy of Neurology

Can Do Multiple Sclerosis 800-367-3101, 970-926-1290

Race to Erase MS 310-440-4842

MS International Federation 44 (0) 20 7620 1911

International Progressive MS Alliance

RealTalk MS Podcast hosted by Jon Strum focusing on MS news and research

Doctors and Treatment Facilities

Having an MS specialist on your team helps to ensure that you’re getting medical care tailored to your condition. These directories can help you locate a specialist in your area.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Find Doctors and Resources

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence

Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers MS Center Directory

Castle Connolly Top Doctors

Financial Assistance for Drugs and Supplies

Many pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs that can help pay for prescription drugs for people who can’t otherwise afford them. A number of nonprofit organizations also provide financial assistance for medication, supplies, or other needs related to living with a chronic disease. Each organization operates a little differently, so if you don’t see what you need in one place, try another.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Patient Assistance Programs

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Prescription Assistance Programs

Medicare.gov 800-MEDICARE (633-4227) Pharmaceutical Assistance Program

NORD: National Organization for Rare Disorders 800-999-6673 Patient Assistance Programs

The Assistance Fund (TAF) 855-845-3663

Medicine Assistance Tool 571-350-8643

NeedyMeds 800-503-6897

Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation 866-316-7263

RxAssist

Advocacy and Support for MS

Feeling understood and supported makes a big difference when you’re living with MS, and sometimes it seems that only another person with MS can provide that support. These organizations can help you connect with others facing the challenge of living with MS.

My MSAA Community on HealthUnlocked Chat board for individuals with MS

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Find Support

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Black MS Experience Program

MSWorld.org Online support organization with chat room and message board

MS TeamWorks Inspiring videos recorded by people who have MS and the nurses, doctors, and other professionals who care for them

Patient Blogs and Stories

Learn about others’ experiences with MS and how they cope with the inevitable challenges of the condition.

A Couple Takes on MS (Jennifer and Dan Digmann)

Life With Multiple Sclerosis (Trevis Gleason)

Enjoying the Ride (Mitch Sturgeon)

MS Blog (National Multiple Sclerosis Society)

My New Normals (Nicole Lemelle)

Yvonne deSousa.com

MultipleSclerosis.net

Multiple Sclerosis Trust

Resources for MS Caregivers

MS affects the whole family, not just the individual who has it. Caregivers — sometimes called care partners — need help and support, too, as their roles and responsibilities change.

National Alliance for Caregiving 202-918-1013

Caregiver Action Network 855-227-3640, 202-454-3970

Well Spouse Association 732-577-8899

MS Research and Clinical Trials

Participating in MS research may or may not benefit you personally, but it will advance knowledge of MS. Learn more about why and how to participate, and what opportunities are available.

Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis 781-487-0008

iConquerMS 844-897-1211; patient-powered research organization that helps people participate in and influence MS research

ClinicalTrials.gov

National Institutes of Health NIH Clinical Research Trials and You

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Participate in a Clinical Trial

Disease-Modifying Therapies for MS

Disease-modifying therapies for MS can prevent relapses and slow the progression of the disease. Still, all drugs come with both risks and benefits, so discuss your options with your doctor to make the best choice of treatment for you. Note that while all these drugs are approved for relapsing forms of MS (RMS), fewer are approved for SPMS with no relapses, and only one, Ocrevus, is approved for PPMS.

Complementary Therapies for MS

While no complementary therapy has been shown to treat MS itself, some can relieve symptoms of MS or simply reduce the stress of living with a chronic condition.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Complementary and Alternative Medicines

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health 888-644-6226

Exercise and Movement for MS

Loss of flexibility and strength can lead to loss of mobility, but almost anyone with MS can find ways to move, stretch, and strengthen to avoid those losses. These websites and articles will help you explore your options.

ActiveMSers (Dave Bexfield)

Multiple Sclerosis Trust Build Your Own Exercise Routine

MS Workouts