Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease that's both difficult to understand and to live with. If you want answers, you'll find them on the Web. The nation's top MS research foundations, clinics, support networks, and health sites provide extensive information on the background of the disease, treatment options, coping, research, and much more. Use this guide to increase your understanding of MS, and become proactive in caring for yourself or your loved one.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that, according to the Mayo Clinic ... read more »
The signs and symptoms of MS vary wildly, not only from individual to individual, but from day to ... read more »
Unfortunately MS is a progressive, chronic disease, meaning it gets worse over time, and there are ... read more »
Multiple sclerosis patients can live long lives, but the degenerative nature of the disease and its ... read more »
MS can be a difficult issue for children to wrangle with. Whether it's a loved one, friend, family member, or the child herself who is experiencing the condition, the uncertainty and severity can make MS confusing and hard to understand. The resources in this section are all about MS and children; they discuss how to speak with a child about MS, present kid-friendly educational content, and overview multiple sclerosis in children.
- A Web site designed specifically for a teen or child can be invaluable when a crisis like the diagnosis of a chronic disease occurs in the family. Leaving the URLs for these Web sites available for your children or teens may be the best way to allow them to explore the sites on their own. Or you can invite your child to review the sites with you.
- Use these Web sites to facilitate, but not replace, discussion with your children. The Web, as helpful as it is, is not a substitute for open communication between you and your children.
has a section on teens and multiple sclerosis. Although MS is generally an adult disease, there are teenagers who are diagnosed with the disease. This section reviews, in teen-appropriate language, what MS is and what the symptoms are.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
has a library of information for people who have MS and those who love them. This page, called "Someone You Know Has MS," is a booklet for children who are affected because someone they love, probably a parent, has been diagnosed with MS. There is also a message by the author for parents.
provides many resources for living with MS. This section is for children and teens to help them understand MS while living with a parent or loved one who has the disease. There is a colorful newsletter for kids, and a chat room and message board for teens.
provides this 28-page booklet in PDF format, entitled "Has your Mum or Dad got MS?" In child-friendly language, the booklet describes what the disease is, how people get it, how the disease progresses, and management.
When a person suffering from multiple sclerosis becomes dependent upon another for care, it's not ... read more »
Connecting with others who've experienced life with MS is a valuable way to learn about overcoming ... read more »
Ongoing research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of MS makes for a constant stream of ... read more »
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