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...

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.

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.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
This brochure describes the first neurological event (CIS), its symptoms and treatment options.
Relapses and Relapse Management

MS Lesions
A lesion, also known a plaque, is an area of myelin damage.

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.
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.
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. Resilience: Addressing the Challenges of MS (video)
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.

Managing MS symptoms

Cognitive Change and MS
MS has the potential to affect brain function—personality, emotions and intellect (cognition) either directly or indirectly...
Cognition and MS (information sheet)
MS has the potential to affect brain function—personality, emotions and intellect (cognition) either directly or indirectly...
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. Mood & Cognition in MS: What You Can Do (video)
Mood Changes in Multiple Sclerosis
This book explore why and how people with MS experience changes in mood, and provide the latest information on how these symptoms can be addressed. Mood Changes in Multiple Sclerosis (video)
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.
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...
Pain and MS (information sheet)
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.
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.
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...
Managing Pain and Sleep Issues in MS


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.
Managing Bladder & Bowel Issues in MS
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. Managing Bladder & Bowel Issues in MS (video)
Understanding Bowel Problems
This booklet describes the impact of MS on bowel functioning and also suggests good bowel habits.
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.
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...

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.
Women's Health and MS
This publication covers topics such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause in women with multiple sclerosis.
10 Tips for people living with MS
This booklet provides ten guiding principles for living well with a chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis.
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.
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.
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.
Physical Activity Guide
Physical Activity Guide - This guide was developed for people who have MS who would like to start an exercise program.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Managing practical issues

Employment and Income Support Series
Working with MS Leaving the Workplace Income Support Returning to Work Financial Assistance Tax Relief
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.
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.
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.

MS and caregivers

A Guide for Caregivers
This guide provides information on practical issues faced by caregivers. A resource list is included.
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.

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.
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.
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) .
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.
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.

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 Libraries

Some 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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