Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic or long-term condition that causes damage to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves and acts as the conduit to carry electrical signals from the brain to all other parts of the body.
MS results in damage to nerves that can prevent the brain’s signals from getting to their intended destination. This can cause numbness, paralysis, loss of vision, and many other symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
There currently is no cure for MS. But the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and other non-profit organizations are working to fund research to improve treatments and ultimately find the cure for MS. One recent development in the fight against MS is the creation of the Multiple Sclerosis Emerging Therapies Collaborative.
This group, which includes as members the National MS Society, members of the MS Coalition, the American Academy of Neurology, the VA Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence East and West and others, has created a website to share new and emerging therapies and other information about the treatment of MS.
The website includes information for medical professionals as well as lay people and patients who are interested in the latest developments in MS research and newly-approved treatments. Information topics include detailed information about many approved medications.
The stated mission of the group is:
To develop and disseminate timely, evidence-based resources to persons affected by multiple sclerosis and health care professionals, in order to promote optimal, individualized treatment of the disease by facilitating effective communication and medical decision-making.
Much of the funding for MS research is provided by individual and corporate donations to one of the many organizations supporting this research, including the National MS Society, which has active chapters in all 50 states in the United States. The National MS Society is a 501(c) tax-exempt organization.
Sources:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Home. Web. November 28, 2011.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx
Emerging Therapies Collaborative. Our Mission. Web. November 28, 2011.
http://www.ms-coalition.org/emergingtherapies/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Web. November 28, 2011.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/find_people/voluntary_orgs/volorg168.htm
Reviewed November 29, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith