Finding Answers...
about living with MS and managing the disease
MSAA's publications provide a great deal of helpful and important information. These cover a range of subjects such as medical research and treatments, symptom management, complementary and alternative therapies, general information, and ways to help cope with the disease. MSAA publishes a quarterly magazine, The Motivator, which includes informative and uplifting articles on vital issues, new research, treatments, and personal stories. All of MSAA's publications are available free of charge and may be viewed, downloaded, or ordered at www.msassociation.org. Publications may also be requested by calling MSAA's toll-free number at (800) 532-7667.
MSAA's website, www.msassociation.org, is another excellent resource — not just for individuals with MS, but also for family, friends, and anyone interested in learning more about MS and the work MSAA performs. The "About Multiple Sclerosis" section features such topics as, "What is MS," "Types of MS," and "Treatments of MS." Visitors may also click on the "Newly Diagnosed" section, offering answers and support to newer members of the MS community.
Multiple Sclerosis Information (MSi) is MSAA's new program initiative that greatly increases our ability to serve more clients in more locations than ever before through enhanced web technology and updated electronic communications. Recently launched, the MSi educational web video series, A Closer Look, features on-demand programming which brings experts on MS, its symptoms, treatments and disease management, right into the privacy and comfort of a person's home.
MSi video programs provide viewers with an extensive resource guide to help clients acquire the support they need. As a way to personalize and build interactivity with MSAA, viewers are encouraged to submit individual questions electronically to our highly trained Helpline staff and complete online evaluation surveys. All video programs feature search capabilities, printable transcripts, and the built-in technology to recognize a computer's compatibility to operate with dial-up, DSL, and broad-band connections.
In addition to on-demand video programming, MSAA plans to expand the MSi platform by developing national, live webcasts; periodically scheduling live "Ask the Expert" web discussion forums; and other interactive activities.
All of MSAA's programs and services are featured on www.msassociation.org. Visitors may refer to a particular MSAA program or service and download an application. Visitors may also find local classes, support groups, and educational events, through MSAA's Calendar of Events. As always, any personal information supplied to our website is secure.
MSAA's Lending Library offers a collection of nearly 300 MS resources on diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, general health, and support, along with books that inspire through personal experiences and life stories. The Lending Library also includes a number of books in Spanish and is expanding its offerings of DVDs of MSi programs and MS-related topics. Individuals wishing to borrow one or more of these books or DVDs need to mail in a request. MSAA loans and mails the books and DVDs free of charge, along with instructions for returning them at no cost.
The MRI Diagnostic Fund helps individuals obtain an initial diagnostic MRI, and the MSAA MRI Institute provides advocacy and assistance for follow-up MRI exams.
MSAA helps people find answers. One way is through assistance in acquiring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which are used to help diagnose MS and to evaluate both disease progression and treatment efficacy. Given the nature of MS, with its characteristic flare-ups and remissions, MS can be very difficult to diagnose.
Additionally, MS activity is often sub-clinical, which means that the illness may continue to progress without any outward signs or increased symptoms. An MRI exam can often give doctors the answers they need to help diagnose MS and to get an "inside view" of disease activity.
The MRI Diagnostic Fund helps individuals obtain an initial diagnostic MRI by working with imaging centers and doctors' offices. For individuals with no insurance or who have been denied insurance coverage, MSAA can also assist with payment for a diagnostic MRI. To qualify for financial assistance, certain income limits apply.
The MSAA MRI Institute provides insurance advocacy and financial assistance to those in need of follow-up MRI exams to examine disease activity and/or treatment effectiveness. Similar to the MRI Diagnostic Fund, certain income limits apply for financial assistance. Individuals with any income are eligible for advocacy to assist in gaining approval for an MRI through their own insurance companies.
