Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Learn about MS from trusted sources.
Multiple sclerosis affects the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the central nervous system. In MS, the immune system damages myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers, which can interfere with communication between the brain and the body.
Because the location and severity of this damage can vary, MS may affect movement, vision, energy, sensation, balance, cognition, mood, and other aspects of daily life.
Common topics to explore
- What multiple sclerosis is
- Common MS symptoms
- How MS is diagnosed
- Types and courses of MS
- Treatment and medication
- Managing symptoms
- Rehabilitation
- Mobility and accessibility
- Emotional well-being
- Current MS research
Recommended resource
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides medically reviewed information about MS symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, disease progression, research, and symptom management.
Visit the NINDS MS Resource ↗
Prefer to start with a plain-language overview? Read About Multiple Sclerosis on our site first.
Newly Diagnosed
A diagnosis can bring many questions.
Learning that you have MS may bring uncertainty, relief, concern, confusion, or many emotions at the same time.
You may be wondering:
- What happens next?
- Which questions should I ask my neurologist?
- How will MS affect my daily life?
- Should I tell my employer, friends, or family?
- How do I evaluate treatment options?
- Where can I meet people who understand?
- How can I prepare for future appointments?
You do not have to answer every question immediately. Begin with reliable information, write down your questions, and work with qualified healthcare professionals who understand your health history and goals.
Helpful first steps
- Keep a list of questions for your healthcare team
- Record new or changing symptoms
- Learn common MS terminology
- Ask how to contact your care team between appointments
- Bring a trusted person to important appointments when helpful
- Connect with other people living with MS
- Give yourself time to process the diagnosis
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides information for newly diagnosed individuals, including tools for understanding a diagnosis, wellness worksheets, educational programs, and support resources.
Local connection
Newly Diagnosed Sharing Socials
MS Bright Spots of Hope offers judgment-free Sharing Socials for people who are newly diagnosed or younger adults living with MS. These gatherings provide an opportunity to:
- Ask questions
- Share experiences
- Learn about resources
- Meet people with similar experiences
- Build a supportive local community
Learn About Sharing Socials
These gatherings are currently described as supportive spaces for people diagnosed within the last five years or those age 40 and younger.
Wellness and Daily Living
Wellness means more than managing symptoms.
Living well with MS can include medical treatment, movement, rest, emotional health, social relationships, meaningful activities, and access to supportive environments. Wellness will look different for every person.
Areas of wellness
- Physical wellness
- Explore adaptive exercise, stretching, aquatic activity, cycling, balance, strength, mobility, and energy conservation.
- Emotional wellness
- Find support for stress, uncertainty, depression, anxiety, changing abilities, and emotional adjustment.
- Cognitive wellness
- Learn strategies that may help with memory, concentration, organization, and mental fatigue.
- Social wellness
- Build relationships with people who understand MS and participate in activities that reduce isolation.
- Creative and spiritual wellness
- Explore reflection, mindfulness, art, music, nature, purpose, and other activities that support personal well-being.
The National MS Society organizes wellness resources around physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social well-being.
MS Bright Spots of Hope programs
Our programs offer opportunities to explore wellness in a welcoming and adaptable environment.
- Fitness Friends
- Sunday Serenity
- Aquatics Locomotion
- Adaptive Cycling
- Bright Day
- Many Steps Toward Hope
- Sharing Socials
- Destination, Dinner and Discovery
Explore All Programs
Movement and Adaptive Recreation
Movement can be adapted to meet you where you are.
People living with MS may experience changes in balance, mobility, strength, coordination, fatigue, or heat tolerance. Adaptive movement programs provide opportunities to participate with modifications, professional guidance, and support from others.
Possible activities include:
- Chair-based movement
- Strength and balance activities
- Accessible yoga
- Aquatic exercise
- Recumbent cycling
- Power-assisted cycling
- Stretching and flexibility
- Guided relaxation
Before beginning or changing an exercise program, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional, especially when you have new symptoms, mobility concerns, or other medical conditions.
Explore local opportunities
- Fitness Friends
- Adaptive movement sessions designed for different fitness levels.
- Aquatics Locomotion
- Low-impact water-based movement supporting strength, flexibility, endurance, and social connection.
- MS Bright Spots Adaptive Cycling
- Accessible cycling opportunities using recumbent and power-assisted equipment.
View Movement and Wellness Programs
Family Members, Friends and Care Partners
Support matters—for everyone involved.
MS can affect not only the person diagnosed, but also spouses, partners, children, family members, and friends.
Care partners may help with:
- Transportation
- Medical appointments
- Household responsibilities
- Mobility
- Emotional support
- Medication routines
- Communication with healthcare providers
- Planning and decision-making
Supporting someone does not mean you must manage everything alone.
Helpful reminders for care partners
- Ask what kind of help is wanted
- Avoid making assumptions about a person's abilities
- Include the person with MS in decisions
- Learn about MS from reliable sources
- Respect changing energy and symptom levels
- Make time for your own health and relationships
- Seek support when caregiving becomes overwhelming
- Encourage independence wherever possible
The National MS Society offers dedicated information for care partners and families supporting someone with MS.
Join us together
Many of our programs welcome support partners.
Friends, family members, and care partners are welcome at many MS Bright Spots of Hope programs.
Explore Programs
Finding Healthcare and Professional Support
Build a care team that understands your needs.
Depending on your situation, an MS care team may include:
- Neurologist
- MS specialist
- Primary-care provider
- MS nurse
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Mental-health professional
- Speech-language pathologist
- Social worker
- Pharmacist
- Nutrition professional
- Rehabilitation specialist
Questions to consider
- Does the provider regularly treat people with MS?
- Is the office physically accessible?
- Does the provider accept your insurance?
- Are telehealth visits available?
- How are urgent questions handled?
- Can the provider coordinate with the rest of your care team?
- Are rehabilitation and mental-health services available?
Practical Support and Assistance
Everyday challenges deserve practical solutions.
People living with MS may need support with healthcare access, transportation, employment, home accessibility, equipment, insurance, medication expenses, or financial planning.
Resource topics
- Health insurance navigation
- Medication assistance
- Transportation
- Home modifications
- Mobility equipment
- Employment accommodations
- Disability benefits
- Financial planning
- Legal resources
- In-home support
- Respite care
- Accessible recreation
Recommended resource
MS Navigator
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's MS Navigator service helps people identify information and resources related to healthcare, benefits, employment, accessibility, emotional support, and other practical concerns.
Connect With an MS Navigator ↗
