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 ↗
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, seek qualified healthcare professionals and connect with other people living with MS.
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
- Feel supported
- Find your community
- Meet people who get it
Learn About Sharing Socials
The Newly Diagnosed Sharing Social is a supportive space specifically for people diagnosed within the last five years or those age 40 and younger. Other programs do not have these restrictions.
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 that meets you where you are.
Adaptive movement programs make it easier to stay active with support, modifications, and professional guidance. Options may include chair-based movement, yoga, aquatics, cycling, strength, balance, stretching, and 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 the whole support network. Care partners, family members, and friends may help with transportation, appointments, mobility, medications, household needs, communication, and day-to-day decisions—but they need support, too.
Supporting someone does not mean you must manage everything alone.
Join us together
All of our programs welcome support partners.
Friends, family members, and care partners are welcome at many MS Bright Spots of Hope programs.
Explore Programs
