Multiple sclerosis (MS) is believed to be an autoimmune disease or what is sometimes called an immune-mediated process affecting the central nervous system (CNS); the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The exact antigen or target that the immune cells are sensitized to attack remains unknown. This causes many MS experts to describe Multiple Sclerosis as “immune-mediated” rather than “autoimmune.”
The nerves in the CNS are surrounded by a protective fatty material called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses. In MS when the immune system attacks the CNS, the myelin is damaged. This results in a loss of myelin called demyelination and some degree of axonal damage. Continued damage results in the formation of dense, scar-like tissue called sclerosis, which gives the disease its name. These scars (also known as lesions or plaque) occur in multiple places throughout the CNS.
When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted. This produces the various symptoms of MS. People with MS typically experience one of four disease courses, which can be mild, moderate or severe.
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Our signature Above MS program from Biogen offers:
- One-on-one MS support over the phone
- A community of peers
- Tips and education designed to help with different aspects of your life
- Information about Biogen relapsing MS treatment options
- Financial and insurance support (if you’re eligible)
- 24/7 support from Nurse Educators
- Recommended content relevant to you
- MS webinars and live events in your area
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https://www.acceleratedcure.org/
The Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis (ACP) is a patient-founded national non-profit. Dedicated to accelerating research efforts to improve diagnosis, to optimize treatment and to cure multiple sclerosis.
ACP believes that research is the only way to greatly improve the outlook for people with MS. The organization promotes scientific collaboration and accelerates research by rapidly and cost-effectively providing researchers with data and biospecimens to explore novel research ideas. In pursuit of leads to better care for people with MS.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”All About Multiple Sclerosis – MS News and Info” opened=”closed”]http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/
All About Multiple Sclerosis aims to provide accurate and comprehensive medical information about multiple sclerosis (MS) written in plain English by people living with the disease and its symptoms. It contains a detailed description of multiple sclerosis, a large archive of news stories about MS, an MS encyclopedia and a large links section containing hundreds of commented and rated links. It also has a list of famous people with multiple sclerosis and personal accounts, poems and essays by people with MS. The site receives no sponsorship from pharmaceutical or other financially interested companies and maintains absolute editorial independence.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information is medically up-to-date and accurate.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Can Do MS” opened=”closed”]Can Do MS delivers educational programs on exercise, nutrition, symptom management. The objective is to inspire and motivate long-lasting change for those with MS and their families. Our whole person, whole health and whole community approach to MS provides people and their support partners with a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view of MS. Seeking to addresses the physical, interpersonal, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects that are unique to them.
We start where you are, equipping you with the personalized knowledge, tools and understandings to manage your unique condition. Moving 0n to set realistic, personalized goals that address your unique health and life needs right now. We expand and integrate your knowledge of the physical, emotional, intellectual, interpersonal and social aspects of living with MS. Always working to help you address your unique needs. MS is a family disease and we offer the industry’s most comprehensive program for support partners and loved ones. Enhancing overall health and well-being we address challenges that are unique to families living with MS.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”MS Focus” opened=”closed”]The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is known in the MS community as MS Focus We are a nonprofit organization focused on providing free services for the critical needs of people with MS and their families, helping them maintain the best quality of life.
Our focus is delivering services that directly benefit our MS family, while continuing to offer the quality educational materials. MS Focus provides the support, education, and assistance needed to adapt to these challenging circumstances. Today, MS Focus remains a leading source of accurate, unbiased information, and offers dozens of services that improve the lives of people with MS.
The MS Foundation mission is to provide programs and support services to persons affected by MS. To help them maintain their health, safety, self-sufficiency, and personal well-being; and to heighten public awareness of multiple sclerosis.
We elicit financial support for the Foundation’s programs, services and to promote understanding for those with MS. Our primary focus is providing individuals with MS help to:
- Maintain their health and well-being;
- Continue to be productive and independent;
- Keep a roof over their heads and a safe environment in their home.
We do so with empathy, resourcefulness, and conscientious care.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”MS Cure Fund” opened=”closed”]MS CURE FUND is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to:
- Increasing awareness and understanding of Multiple Sclerosis and its debilitating symptoms
- Providing help and information to newly diagnosed patients
- Conducting educational programs & seminars for patients, along with MS neurologist led forums for support & case discussion
- Raising much needed funds going directly to the scientists and clinicians researching a cure for MS
MS Cure Fund was founded in 2004 by an MS patient who experienced difficulty accessing support for newly diagnosed MS patients within her local community and committed herself to making a difference for others.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”MS Views and News – MSVN” opened=”closed”]MSVN is a website and organization created to help add education information for the global MS community via the internet and via live seminars. A place where exchanging information and knowledge seeks to benefit ALL persons affected by MS. This includes the MS Patient, the caregiver(s), their family, friends and the medical providers too.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”MS World” opened=”closed”]Founded in 1996 MSWorld has grown from 6 people in a chat room to the largest all volunteer patient run organization worldwide. Serving well over 150,000 members living with Multiple Sclerosis. Our motto is “Wellness is a State of Mind®”, because when you are well within your mind your life has its greatest potential.
The primary mission of MSWorld is to end the isolation that people experience when diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We provide support and information to people living with multiple sclerosis. In chat rooms, message boards, a wellness center, creative center, resource center, conference center and an arcade. Social networking connections on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Join our growing community of people who share the day-to-day challenges of living with MS, your perspective and insight can help others.
MSWorld is an all-volunteer team who manage the MSWorld website. All of us are living with MS, in the process of being diagnosed or provide care to someone else living with MS. We understand what it means to live with this disease and are here to provide support in the best way we can. Our Patients Helping Patients organization is unique. Helping people out of isolation is a our commitment.
Our best effort goes to providing worthy and current information on treatments. News on upcoming research guided by those seeking a cure or the very best treatment options for everyone living with multiple sclerosis.
Knowledge is power and peer support is invaluable. At MSWorld we strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment by maintaining a G-rated site and offering the latest information and referrals for you.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Multiple Sclerosis Association Of America – MSAA” opened=”closed”]Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), a national, nonprofit founded in 1970. MSAA is a leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. Our organization is dedicated to improving lives today through ongoing support and direct services to individuals with MS, their families, and their care partners.
MSAA also offers tools to help manage the ever-changing course of multiple sclerosis. MSAA’s free services help improve lives. Programs include:
- A Helpline with trained specialists;
- Award-winning educational videos and publications, including MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator;
- Safety and mobility equipment distribution; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals;
- Educational programs held across the country; and
- A Lending Library among other services.
A founding member of the is a collaborative network of independent MS organizations whose mission is to increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for the benefit of the MS community.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”Multiple Sclerosis Coalition – MSC” opened=”closed”]The Multiple Sclerosis Coalition (MSC) was founded in 2005 by 3 independent multiple sclerosis (MS) organizations. Now 8 member organizations work together to provide critical MS programs and services to individuals with MS. The vision of the MSC is to improve the quality of life for those affected by MS through a collaborative national network of independent MS organizations. Our mission is to increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater leverage in collaborative and effective use of resources for the benefit of the entire MS community.
MSC’s primary objectives are to educate, advocate, collaborate, and improve the efficiency of services for individuals with MS and those close to them. The MSC provides critical momentum to work together to enhance MS research, treatments, advocacy, and symptom management.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”MultipleSclerosis.com” opened=”closed”]http://www.multiplesclerosis.com/
MultipleSclerosis.com provides a range of MS information. This dual site, one for US residents and a second for other countries, is developed and funded by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”MultipleSclerosis.net” opened=”closed”]https://multiplesclerosis.net/
MultipleSclerosis.net we empower patients and caregivers to take control of MS. Providing a platform to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals here. We strive to provide you with the most accurate and relevant information. We use only trustworthy sources, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and peer-reviewed journals among others. MultipleSclerosis.net does not edit these articles.
[/otw_shortcode_content_toggle] [otw_shortcode_content_toggle title=”National MS Society” opened=”closed”]http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. We encourage everyone to share our vision. Our mission is to help people affected by MS live their best lives, stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever
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