Information Library
We are pleased to offer a variety of publications and materials dealing with the many aspects of life with MS. These publications are available for people with MS, families, friends, caregivers and young people and are grouped by the following headings for easy access.
| PLEASE NOTE: Since the publication of these booklets, updates have been made to disease modifying therapies (DMTs) available in Canada. For updated information on DMTs please visit Treatments. |
About multiple sclerosis - general information
| Newly Diagnosed (information sheet) | ||
 Multiple
sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling
disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which is
composed of the brain and spinal cord...
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| My MS Healthcare Team Discussion Guide | ||
 The
MS Healthcare Team Discussion Guide helps people living
with MS make the most of their medical appointments.
Filling out this sheet in advance of an appointment
allows individuals and their healthcare team to review
any questions or concerns they may have during the
appointment.
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| Multiple Sclerosis and how we can help | ||
 Multiple
Sclerosis and how we can help This brochure contains
basic facts about multiple sclerosis and information on
the MS Society's programs and activities.
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| Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) | ||
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| Relapses and Relapse Management | ||
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MS Lesions |
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 A
lesion, also known a plaque, is an area of myelin damage.
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| You and MS: Considering Your Treatment Choices | ||
 When
your doctor first tells you that you have multiple
sclerosis, the news can feel overwhelming. A thousand
questions crowd your mind. This booklet explains what may
happen to you during the course of the disease, why you
have symptoms, and the medications that are available to
treat your MS. Only available in pdf format.
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| MS: Its effects on you and those you love | ||
 A
resource for those newly diagnosed with MS. It answers
some of the most frequently asked questions about the
disease and also describes effective coping mechanisms.
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| Living with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis | ||
 Living
with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis A straight forward
and supportive guide that recognizes the special concerns
of people with progressive MS. Looking at the issue of
treatment and symptom management, this booklet also
explores non-pharmacological ways of improving quality of
life.
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| Resilience - Addressing the Challenges of MS | ||
 This
book provides an overview of the leading theories of
resilience, as well as the positive changes that building
resilience can create in one’s life. It also outlines
practical strategies for developing greater resilience.
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| Red Flags, Green Lights | ||
 This
booklet helps to identify warning signs of potentially
unreliable information about MS on the internet,
magazines, newspapers, television programs and radio
commentaries. Only available in pdf format.
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Managing MS symptoms
| Cognitive Change and MS | |
 MS
has the potential to affect brain function—personality,
emotions and intellect (cognition) either directly or
indirectly...
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| Cognition and MS (information sheet) | |
 MS
has the potential to affect brain function—personality,
emotions and intellect (cognition) either directly or
indirectly...
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| Mood and Cognition in MS: What you can do | |
 This
program booklet provides an overview of the types of mood
changes common to MS, as well as the types of cognitive
challenges that people with MS may face.
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| Intimacy and Sexuality in MS | |
 This
booklet deals with some of the changes that may occur in
the sexual lives of people who have multiple sclerosis
and offers practical advice on how to deal with them.
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| Intimacy and Sexuality (information sheet) | |
 A
satisfying, intimate relationship rests on a broad
foundation of trust, open and honest communication,
shared goals and expectations, and mutual respect and
concern...
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Pain
and MS (information sheet) |
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 This
publication discusses the different types of pain
experienced in MS and the steps that can be taken to
prevent, eliminate, or improve this pain. A useful
publication for working with your physician.
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| Living Well with MS: Managing fatigue | |
 This
booklet includes information on the impact of MS fatigue,
its causes and diagnosis, as well as a section on
different strategies and medications for managing this
common symptom.
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| Fatigue and MS (information sheet) | |
 MS
fatigue can be one of the most disabling symptoms of MS.
According to some studies, over 90% of people with MS
experience fatigue...
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| Managing Pain and Sleep Issues in MS | |
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| Living Well with MS: Mind Matters | |
 This
resource will help people understand the connection
between MS and depression and provide solutions that may
help to manage depression and improve quality of life.
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| Mind Matters: MS can bring changes to mood and memory | |
 This
article examines MS-related mood and memory problems with
an emphasis on treatment.
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| Spasticity, Mobility Problems and Multiple Sclerosis | |
Spasticity is one of the most challenging of all MS
symptoms. It comes and goes. It feels different to
different people, even to the same person at different
times. This booklet will help you to deal with this
symptom in order to maximize mobility and quality of
life.
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Managing
Bladder & Bowel Issues in MS |
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This booklet provides an overview of the types of bladder
and bowel issues common to MS. It further outlines the
most successful ways that individuals and clinicians have
developed for managing these symptoms, and explains why
doing so is of utmost importance to your general
well-being.
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| Understanding Bowel Problems | |
 This
booklet describes the impact of MS on bowel functioning
and also suggests good bowel habits.
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| Urinary Dysfunction and MS: A guide for people with multiple sclerosis | |
 This
publication is a comprehensive guide to MS-related
urinary problems. It includes detailed descriptions of
diagnostic testing, management strategies, and commonly
prescribed medications.
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| Bladder Dysfunction (information sheet) | |
 Bladder
dysfunction is common and can be an upsetting symptom. It
can impact energy levels by interfering with sleep
patterns, and the uncertainty associated with it can
interfere with social activity...
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Health and wellness
| MS and Vaccines - A Review | |
 You
have MS and do not know if you should be vaccinated? Know
that immunization is the best way to protect yourself and
prevent risks and complications associated with some
diseases. A health professional can advise you about
vaccines that could be given to you. You can also find
relevant tips in the Vaccines Update, available online.
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| Women's Health and MS | |
 This
publication covers topics such as menstruation, pregnancy
and menopause in women with multiple sclerosis.
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| 10 Tips for people living with MS | |
 This
booklet provides ten guiding principles for living well
with a chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis.
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| Healthy Eating | |
 Based
on Canada's Food Guide, this booklet discusses the
importance of a well-balanced diet and includes a
comprehensive section on food preparation techniques for
individuals with MS.
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| Multiple Sclerosis and Your Emotions | |
 This
booklet explains the effects that MS may have emotionally
and psychologically on individuals. It describes common
reactions to chronic disease and the usual stages of
adjustment to MS in a positive and easy to understand
manner.
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| Everybody Stretch | |
 Regular
exercise is an important factor in maintaining health.
But it’s difficult to stick to a program when you have
MS, because of fluctuating symptoms. This illustrated
workbook outlines a flexible, individualized exercise
program that can be adapted to changing physical
abilities.
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| Physical Activity Guide | |
 Physical
Activity Guide - This guide was developed for people who
have MS who would like to start an exercise program.
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| Multiple Sclerosis and Fitness | |
 MS
and Fitness - This publication from our Quebec Division
discusses the benefits of physical activity as well as
the dangers of inactivity and new approaches to this
field. It also suggests sports and activities that can be
enjoyed by people with MS, whether or not they have
functional limitations.
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| Taming Stress | |
 This
booklet will provide you with strategies for simplifying
daily life, as well as exercises in muscle relaxation and
deep breathing which will help you cut stress down to
size.
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Multiple sclerosis and family
| Talking about MS: A Guide for Families | |
 A
practical aid to help parents communicate better with
their children about MS, by helping parents understand
their children's reactions and giving them tools to
explain the disease.
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| Keep S'myelin | |
 A
colourful activity book for children of parents with MS,
intended to help children find answers to questions about
MS and talk with their family and friends about the
changes MS can bring. This publication, produced in
collaboration with the National MS Society (U.S.), is
based on NMSS's award-winning newsletter Keep S'myelin.
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| Keep Your Balance! | |
 A
colourful publication for teens which includes basic
information about MS and testimonies from teens who have
a parent with MS. It is intended to help teens understand
MS, its impact on the family, and their own feelings
about the disease.
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| My Mommy has MS | |
 This
booklet is for pre-school children and describes MS and
its effects in an easy to understand manner. Written by a
mother with MS and her daughter, the booklet also
includes a "rainbow activity" that children can prepare
with a parent after reading the book. Only available
in pdf format.
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| Benjamin: My Mum is Special | |
 This
book provides a view of MS through the eyes of a child
struggling to understand his mother's mysterious and
sometimes frightening illness. This is a beautiful tale
of coping, compassion, and caring that should be shared
between all parents with MS and their children. For
children approximately 6-10 years old.
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Managing practical issues
| A Guide to Employment and Income Support | |
 **Please
note: since the publication of this booklet some
information has been updated, please check the website for
current MS Society of Canada mailing addresses. Provides
comprehensive practical information and guidance on a
wide range of income and employment issues relevant to
living with MS. Also included is a separate booklet about
MS in the workplace for employers of persons with MS.
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| MS in the Workplace: An employer's guide | |
 This
publication is intended for employers of those diagnosed
with MS. It is a stand-alone piece which is part of a
resource for those affected by MS called, A Guide to
Employment and Income Support.
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| Insuring Your Future: Your guide to life insurance and multiple sclerosis | |
 Once
diagnosed, it is often difficult for people with MS to
obtain insurance. This booklet provides
easy-to-understand information about life insurance and
describes strategies for acquiring life insurance as well
as alternatives to insurance coverage.
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| Adapting: Financial Planning for a Life with Multiple Sclerosis | |
 This
is a comprehensive booklet that covers a variety of
finance-related topics to help individuals meet the
financial challenges that can accompany MS. The booklet
is broken down in to four sections: Where Am I Today,
Moving Forward After Initial Diagnosis, Taking Care of
Finances and If MS Progresses.
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MS and caregivers
| A Guide for Caregivers | |
 This
guide provides information on practical issues faced by
caregivers. A resource list is included.
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| Caregiver & Poverty Stakeholder Forum Summary Report | |
 On
November 24 and 25, 2009 the Multiple Sclerosis Society
of Canada hosted a two day forum in order to share
knowledge and develop recommendations that would
contribute to lessening the financial burden borne by
many who undertake to provide care for a loved one.
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Young persons with MS
| Managing School Related Issues | |
 Parents
of children with MS often report feeling frustrated,
overwhelmed or even helpless about how to help their
children. The goal of this handbook is to provide you
with tips on parenting a child living with MS and offer
tools and resources for you to be your child’s best
advocate.
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| Childhood MS: A Guide for Parents (MSIF resource) | |
 This
guide is intended to help parents or caregivers
understand more about the care a child living with MS may
need, and the kind of support you are entitled to in
order to manage the changes MS can bring.
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| Mighty Special Kids | |
 This
activity book is for kids aged 5 to 12 who have multiple
sclerosis. The book helps families talk about MS, helps
children understand how MS affects their daily life and
offers suggestions for discussing MS with friends and
schoolmates. You can also link to the
interactive version on the National MS Society’s
website (English only) .
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| Kids Get MS Too: A Guide for Parents Whose Child or Teen has MS | |
 This
handbook contains articles on a variety of topics written
by specialists in childhood MS, and includes resources
and information to further guide parents with regards to
more specific topics. Only available in pdf
format.
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| Kids Get MS Too – Questions and Answers | |
 An
information guide on pediatric MS for parents of children
with MS, MS Society staff and volunteers, health
professionals and others with an interest in this topic.
Areas covered include general information on pediatric
MS, diagnosis and treatment, emotional and cognitive
issues and financial and insurance assistance. Only
available in pdf format.
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MS and Allied Diseases
| Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) | |
| Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), sometimes known as 'Devic's disease' is a rare autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) where antibodies can damage the spinal cord and/or optic nerves during attacks... | |
| Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) | |
| Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis or ADEM, is a rare neurological disorder that predominantly affects children, but can affect individuals of any age. It is characterized by a short-lived but widespread attack of inflammation in the central nervous system (brain, including optic nerve, and spinal cord) causing damage to the myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers. |
Lending LibrariesSome divisions and chapters develop their own lending libraries that distribute the available MS Society publications and other resources. To find out if there is a lending library in your area contact your nearest MS Society office. **Please note that not all divisions and chapters house their own lending libraries.** |
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