Organizations like the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America provide resources on treatment, support, and financial assistance, among others.

Finding the right treatment for your MS symptoms may feel a bit overwhelming, especially when dealing with a flare-up. But knowing the right places to look for treatment advice can help you save time and ensure you get the best possible information to treat your type of MS.

Several organizations provide resources for MS treatment, support, and more. While you will notice a variety of groups listed throughout this page, there are three powerhouse organizations that should be at the top of your resource list:

In addition to the three organizations listed above, here are some of the best resources for MS treatment advice you can find online.

MS is a complicated condition that often requires a multidisciplinary treatment team that may include:

  • your primary care physician
  • a neurologist
  • neuropsychologist
  • physiatrist
  • physical therapist
  • occupational therapist
  • other specialists familiar with MS

Directories

Having the right team of experts ensures you’re getting the best possible care. The directories and online tools listed below can help you locate specialists nationwide as well as in your area.

  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society Find Doctors and Resources: An online tool that allows you to search for healthcare professionals specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of MS in your area.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Centers for Excellence (MSCoE): Established by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with two locations: MSCoE East located in Baltimore, and MSCoE-West jointly located in Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The goal is to improve the clinical care of veterans with MS.
  • MS Centers Directory: An online tool from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers that allows you to search for MS centers by country and specific location.

Treatment centers

Leading treatment centers for MS include:

  • Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Neuroscience Institute: This world-class MS center in Seattle is a leader in MS treatment and MS research.
  • Multiple Sclerosis at Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic is able to diagnose and treat with a multidisciplinary team that may include neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, urologists, psychiatrists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and other specialists. They also have a Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center to treat children with MS.
  • Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center: A leading institution located in Boston that provides comprehensive patient care, ongoing clinical research trials, and innovative technology.

Several other hospitals and universities have excellent MS treatment centers, including:

Additional therapies

You can also find resources around additional therapies, such as complementary medicine, rehabilitation, and clinical trials.

Finding the right support after an MS diagnosis is crucial. But it’s even more essential as you begin the journey of symptom management and treatment. Here are some organizations, Facebook groups, and websites that offer various levels of support, from online resources and meetings to chat rooms and message boards.

  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Information about local and virtual support groups and meetings for people living with MS and their families and loved ones.
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Society Community: Private Facebook community that provides a space for everyone affected by MS.
  • The Mighty: Multiple Sclerosis Connections: This is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s new online community hosted in partnership with The Mighty that is dedicated to helping people with MS share their experiences, discover resources, and find support 24/7.
  • MS World: A patient-run organization with an active forum, chat room, resources, social networking, and sub-forums/message boards with topics like general Q&A, symptoms and treatments, recently diagnosed, medications, assistive devices, military veterans, employment and MS, and more.
  • MyMSTeam: A free social network that allows you to connect with other people living with MS, gain practical advice and tips on MS treatments, and share daily ups and downs.
  • MS Focus Independent Support Group Network: In-person support groups and online community from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation that provide guidance, resources, tips, and ways to connect with other people in similar situations. Meetings are available in most states, but anyone with MS can start a support group and become a leader.
  • My MSAA Community Online Forum: A free online community from the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America for people with MS, their families, and caregivers to share resources, information, and experiences.
  • Bezzy MS: An online community for people with MS where you can find support, advice, and feel-good stories.

Whether you’re recently diagnosed or decades into living with MS, hearing others’ stories about the daily challenges and triumphs is a vital part of living with MS.

  • PatientsLikeMe: An online community that allows you to share symptoms, compare treatments, and get advice and support on other MS-related topics from people living with MS. In addition, the site has an interactive tool that shows commonly tracked symptoms and treatments based on member input.
  • MS Conversations: An MS blog affiliated with the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America with stories from people living with MS.
  • A Couple Takes on MS: Jennifer and Dan Digmann both have MS and care for one other. Their blog details the daily challenges and triumphs along with tips and resources for living with MS.
  • Life in Spite of MS: Cir, and his wife and caregiver, Akrista, share a view of MS from two perspectives on their blog, Life in Spite of MS.
  • My New Normals: Nicole Lemelle, an MS advocate, activist, and nurse, shares her journey from diagnosis to living with MS, along with the experiences of other people living with MS.
  • Living with MS: Personal stories of people living with MS from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Caregivers often face challenges that only other caregivers understand.

One way you can help is to encourage your family, loved ones, care partner, or support person to access online resources, meetings, and other tools to help them feel supported as their roles and responsibilities change throughout the course of caring for someone with MS.

  • MS World: The Family Room: An online message board dedicated to discussing family life, including relationships and caregivers.
  • Can Do Multiple Sclerosis TAKE CHARGE Program: A 2-day program for people living with MS and their support partner to learn, set goals, and create health-promoting changes.
  • My MSAA Community Online Forum: A free online community from the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America for people with MS, their families, and caregivers to share resources, information, and experiences.
  • Caregiver Action Network: A family caregiver organization that provides education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers free of charge.

Many nonprofit organizations and pharmaceutical companies have grants and other resources offering financial assistance for prescription drugs, supplies, and other MS treatments. In addition to the organizations listed below, consider asking your primary care doctor about local resources.

Exercise and physical activity are vital components of MS treatments. Participating in activities like low impact aerobic exercise, stretching, and light resistance training can help you maintain mobility and improve your range of motion, according to a 2017 review.

If you’re unsure about the best types of fitness programs for people with MS, consider working with a physical therapist or occupational therapist who specializes in movement therapies for MS, if possible. Otherwise, check out some of the resources listed below for ideas, information, routines, and workout videos designed for MS.

Online articles and videos for exercising and movement with MS:

What help is available for people with MS?

You can find help for navigating an MS diagnosis, including:

  • information to help you understand your treatment options
  • complementary therapies and exercise
  • financial assistance
  • support groups
  • resources for caregivers

What are the national resources for multiple sclerosis?

National resources for MS include the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

Is there community support for multiple sclerosis?

You can find community support for MS through an in-person or online support group. You can also join an online community, like Bezzy, among others, to exchange advice and stories with other people with MS.