LibGuides: Multiple Sclerosis: Living with MS

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Find a Chapter - Search by state or zip code. Chapters provide employment counseling, family programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy issues.

MS Research

The National Academies/ Institute of Medicine prepared a report in 2001 reviewing the research that had been completed on MS, titled "Multiple Sclerosis: Current Status and Strategies for the Future." Click here to read the report online.

Getting Started

Symptoms
This page contains information from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including fatigue, numbness, vision problems, sexual dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, emotional changes, etc. Click on each symptom for a short description, and follow the "Learn more about..." link for a more detailed explanation.
Diagnosis
Information on the steps taken to diagnose multiple sclerosis, including MRI, blood tests, and spinal taps
Treatments
Information on various treatments used to control the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as steroids and different medicines and therapies
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
1. Relapsing and Remitting MS (RRMS)
2. Secondary- Progressive MS (SPMS)
3. Primary- Progressive MS (PPMS)
4. Progressive- Relapsing MS (PRMS)
5. Benign MS
6. Childhood MS
Understanding the Different Types of Multiple Sclerosis
From the site: "In some ways, each person with multiple sclerosis lives with a different illness. Although nerve damage is always involved, the pattern is unique for each individual with MS.
"Specific experiences with MS may vary widely, but doctors and researchers have identified several major types of MS. The categories are important because they help predict disease severity and response to treatment."

Managing MS

"But You Look So Good"
This brochure is about coping with invisible symptoms of MS.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides an array of brochures containing information about and pertaining to Multiple Sclerosis. All are in PDF format and are available on their website: NMSS Brochures. Each brochure provides the date of when it was last updated so you are aware of how current the information is. Below are links and descriptions of the types of information available for managing specific issues associated with MS.

Controlling Spasticity
From the site: "Managing this common, sometimes disabling, MS symptom—roles of self-help, medications, physical therapists, nurses, and physicians."
Living and Managing
Having MS does not define who you are, but it does affect your life. The linked pages on this site from WebMD provide information on a variety of topics from Pregnancy with MS to MS and exercise to disability measurements to a guide for MS family members.
MS and Pain
The information provided here provides an overview of ways to manage MS-related pain, from medications to complementary treatments.
MS and the Mind
From the site: "A reprint from InsideMS. Covers depression, cognitive functions, mood swings, coping tips and medications."
Tremor: The Basic Facts
Here, strategies for coping with tremor are discussed. This brochure also provides some information about current research in tremor management.

Subject Guide

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