My mother died of complications from MS in 1998. She was first diagnosed when when she was 37 in 1977, but had most likely had her first attack at the age of 28 after she had given birth to her fourth child.  That was over 30 years ago, and much has changed since then — including significant advances in the medical community. However, at least three things haven't changed since then:  MS is still very hard to diagnose; there is no cure; and it will change the person's life who has the disease as well as those around that person.

My advice to you, as a family member, is to learn as much as possible. Be active in seeking information. Getting educated will help you understand the changes your loved one is going through. This information will help you take care of them and to take care of yourself. I also recommend attending some MS support groups, even if your MS loved one does not. Some of the organizations are listed in this section. There are many more.

To help in your search for education, inspiration, and support around MS, we recommend the following web resources in alphabetical order:

The Cleveland Clinic
http://www.clevelandclinic.org
The Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research is the world’s largest, most comprehensive program for MS care and research.

The Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/
Multiple sclerosis (MS) — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment of this nerve condition.

MedicineNet
http://www.medicinenet.com/multiple_sclerosis/article.htm
Extensive articles on multiple sclerosis, types and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, related articles, links to WebMD and Medscape.

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
http://www.msfacts.org/
A prime site with channels on Information (FAQs, symptoms, diagnosis, links to resources); Programs & Events (patient services director, calendar, support group directory, education awareness, endowments); and Online Services (forums, news, TV, multimedia library).

National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/multiplesclerosis.html
Medline library on Multiple Sclerosis. With links to other sites, including Journal of the American Medical Association.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
http://www.nationalmssociety.org
National chapters, government advocacy, news, multimedia library, store, section for professionals, consumer information for pre-diagnosed, newly diagnosed, friends and famiy, researchers. Also sections for events, health professionals, donors and volunteers. And in Spanish.

Patients Like Me
http://www.patientslikeme.com/welcome/community/ms
A community site where more than 5,400 people with MS share stories about symptoms, treatments, overall progress, and inspiration. Links to top treatments and symptoms, surveys to help generate an MS outcomes map to see how your MS has changed over time.

WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/default.htm
Overview, drugs, charity events, early symptoms, community blogs, message boards, and sponsors.

Related resources:

Prescription Information
http://www.rxlist.com

Resources for newly diagnosed
http://www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/diaginfo.htm

The Medicine Program – prescription assistance
http://www.themedicineprogram.com