National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, founded in 1946, supports MS research, offers services for people with MS, provides professional education programs, and furthers MS advocacy efforts. The society does this through the extensive research it supports to find the cause, cure and improved treatments of the disease; the comprehensive services it provides to people with MS and their families; the professional education programs offered to assist health care providers to better serve their MS patients; and through its advocacy efforts on state and federal levels to encourage public policies supportive of the needs of people with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system, afflicting people of virtually all ages around the world, although it has a special preference for young people, especially women, and for those who grew up in northern latitudes. The origins of MS are not fully known but it is believed to involve a genetic susceptibility, but it is not directly inherited. It usually causes sudden neurologic symptoms including vision loss, paralysis, numbness, and walking difficulties. The symptoms can be diverse and confusing, often coming and going without any pattern, making it difficult to diagnose. The society relies on support from members, friends, corporate partners, businesses, religious and civic groups, private and public federated campaigns, and the public at large.