Information on Multiple Sclerosis: 10 Resources to Keep on Deck

Facing a new multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be overwhelming. You'll likely have a ton of questions and uncertainties about what the future holds. Rest assured, tons of helpful resources are just a click away.

Keep these MS resources handy for times when you need encouragement and support the most.

National and international MS foundations are dedicated to helping you manage your condition. They can offer you information, connect you to others, organize fundraising events, and fund new research.

If you're not sure where to start, one of these MS organizations can likely point you in the right direction:

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• MS International Federation
• Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
• International Progressive MS Alliance
• Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MS Focus)
• The MS Coalition

When you feel ready for it, consider joining a volunteer group or participating in an activist program. Knowing that what you're doing can make a difference for yourself and others living with MS can be incredibly empowering.

The National MS Society is a great way to get involved in MS activism and awareness. Their website provides information about how you can join the fight to advance federal, state, and local policies to help those with MS and their families. You can also search for upcoming volunteer events in your area.

RealTalk MS is a weekly podcast where you can hear about current advances in MS research. You can even chat with some neuroscientists who are dedicated to MS research. Keep the conversation going here.

Healthline's very own MS community page on Facebook allows you to post questions, share tips or advice, and interact with people with MS. You'll also have easy access to articles on medical research and lifestyle topics that you may find useful.

MS Navigators are professionals who can provide you with information, resources, and support about living with MS. For example, they can help you find a new doctor, get insurance, and plan for the future. They can also help you with everyday life, including diet, exercise, and wellness programs.

You can reach an MS Navigator by calling their toll-free number, 1-800-344-4867, or by emailing them through this online form.

If you're looking to join a clinical trial, or just want to track the progress of future research, the National MS Society can point you in the right direction. Through their website, you can search for new clinical trials by location, MS type, or keyword.

You can also try searching via ClinicalTrials.gov. This is a comprehensive listing of all past, present, and future clinical trials. It's maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health.

Most pharmaceutical companies that manufacture medications to treat MS have patient support programs. These programs can help you find financial support, join a clinical trial, and learn how to properly inject your medication.

Here are links to patient assistance programs for some common MS treatments:

• Aubagio
• Avonex
• Betaseron
• Copaxone
• Gilenya
• Glatopa
• Lemtrada
• Ocrevus
• Plegridy
• Rebif
• Tecfidera
• Tysabri

Blogs run by people with MS and advocates aim to educate, inspire, and empower readers with frequent updates and reliable information.

A simple online search can give you access to hundreds of bloggers who are sharing their lives with MS. To start, check out the MS Connection Blog or MS Conversations.

Your doctor is an incredibly important resource for your MS care. To make sure your next appointment with your doctor is as productive as possible, keep this guide handy. It can help you prepare for your doctor visit and remember to ask all the important questions.

Phone applications can provide you with the most up-to-date information about MS. They're also valuable tools for helping you keep track of your symptoms, medications, mood, physical activity, and pain levels.

My MS Diary (Android), for example, lets you set alarms for when it's time to remove your medication from the fridge and when to administer injections.

You can also sign up for Healthline's own MS Buddy app (Android; iPhone) to connect and chat with others living with MS.

Hundreds of organizations have created ways for you and your loved ones to find information and support to make living with MS a little easier. This list includes some of our favorites. With the help of these wonderful organizations, your friends and family, and your doctor, it's entirely possible to live well with MS.