MS: Busting the Myths
May 20, 2025 | Life with MS, News, Resources, Symptoms, Training
World MS Day (WMSD) is an international awareness day for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. It is a day of global solidarity, collective action and hope.
Events and campaigns take place throughout the month of May, with World MS Day officially being marked on 30th May. It brings together the global MS community to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by MS.
The My MS Diagnosis campaign advocates for early and accurate diagnosis for everyone living with MS. It highlights the global barriers to diagnosing MS, raising awareness by sharing real stories and data. We are calling for better MS training for healthcare professionals, new research, and clinical advancements in MS diagnosis. Together we are building informed, caring communities and systems that support people diagnosed with MS.
The majority (83%) of countries worldwide have barriers that prevent early diagnosis of MS. Some of the common barriers that stand in the way of diagnosis include:
• Lack of public awareness of MS symptoms
• Lack of awareness of MS symptoms among healthcare professionals
• No healthcare professionals available with knowledge to diagnose MS
• People not taking diagnostic tests e.g. due to costs or travel limitations
• Specialist medical equipment or diagnostic tests are not available
• Bureaucracy, inefficiency, complexity in the health system
• Diagnosis is too expensive for a government or insurance provider to fund
Globally the most common barrier to getting an early diagnosis is a lack of awareness of MS symptoms among the public and healthcare professionals. To learn more about the barriers
to accessing an early MS diagnosis read the Atlas of MS Clinical Management Report.
As part of this World MS Day Campaign, the MS International Federation have created a suite of short animations about types of testing for multiple sclerosis. Click on the images below to watch the animations:
Lumbar Puncture Test for MS
MRI Testing for MS
EVP Testing for MS
Neurological Exam Testing for MS
A special World MS Day edition of the award-winning Understanding MS course has been created and is for anyone with an interest in MS. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with MS, or working in healthcare, this course will increase your knowledge of MS symptoms, how MS is diagnosed and the impact of an MS diagnosis. You will also learn about the global barriers to early MS diagnosis and explore solutions. Through interactive content and real-world insights, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about MS.
Opens: 01 May 2025, 13:00 BST (London Time), 22:00 AEST (Sydney)
Closes: 15th June 2025, 13:00 BST (London Time), 22:00 AEST (Sydney)
Location: Online Course
Cost: FREE
Suitable for anyone with an interest in MS is welcome to take part, including:
Register here and start the course today!
As detailed in our earlier World MS Day post, getting the right diagnosis can change lives. Get in touch today if you’d like to share your diagnosis journey. Contact info@msnz.org.nz