The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Brings Awareness to Symptoms and Relapses during MS Awareness Month

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) recognizes March as MS Awareness Month. For the more than 400,000 Americans living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the support of loved ones, care partners, and organizations such as MSAA are vital to improving their quality of life.

MSAA’s Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month campaign will devote each week in March to heightening the understanding of the management of relapses and multiple sclerosis symptoms.

• Walking and MS Awareness Week (week of March 7, 2016) is sponsored by Acorda Therapeutics and will feature comprehensive information on managing walking and MS, along with a newly developed video and survey. Difficulty in walking is one of the most common issues for individuals living with MS. Information can be found on MSAA’s website at mymsaa.org/walking.
• Pseudobulbar Affect Awareness Week (week of March 14, 2016) is supported by Avanir Pharmaceuticals and will highlight an informative video and survey. The video provides valuable insights into understanding Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) and its cause, guidance on discussing PBA with your doctor, and ways to evaluate and treat the condition. PBA is characterized by sudden, uncontrollable expressions of laughter or crying without an apparent trigger. Information can be found on MSAA’s website at mymsaa.org/pba.
• MS Relapse Awareness Week (week of March 21, 2016), in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and supported by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, will feature a newly developed relapse quiz, video, webinar, brochure and other tools – all available on MSAA’s MS Relapse Resource Center. MS relapses are exacerbations or attacks of MS that can cause a temporary worsening or recurrence of existing symptoms or the appearance of new symptoms. More information can be found on MSAA’s website at relapses.mymsaa.org.

For more information about MS Awareness Month or any of MSAA’s programs and services, please contact Sarah Masino, community relations coordinator at (800) 532-7667, extension 122, or via email at smasino@mymsaa.org.

About MSAA

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally recognized website (at mymsaa.org), featuring award-winning educational videos and research updates; S.E.A.R.C.H.™ program to assist the MS community with learning about different treatment choices; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™ (named one of the best multiple sclerosis iPhone & Android apps by Healthline.com); a resource database, My MS Resource Locator®; safety and mobility equipment distribution; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; educational programs held across the country; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS, and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. Many experts estimate that 2.5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with this disease, and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50. MS is not contagious and researchers continue to look for both a cause and a cure.