New England MS Branch

02/01/2026

Currently, MS is categorized into four main types, depending on clinical presentation. Review the specifics of each type here: https://bit.ly/4g1cF1k

02/01/2026

Listen to Treatment Talk on MS treatments clarity: https://bit.ly/3HCA649

01/01/2026

To all our lovely followers we would like to wish you a Happy New Year. We hope 2026 is a year of love, health and happiness for everyone.

24/12/2025

Wishing all you lovely people a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. We hope Santa has been generous but the most treasured gift is often something as simple as a heart-warming hug. Costs nothing and gives so much. So we are sending lots of virtual hugs to everyone. 😘😍

17/12/2025

Whilst this is an American based site, there is a lot in this article that is relevant and helpful to those with MS here in Australia.

From disease-modifying therapies to symptom management strategies, there’s more than one path forward. https://bit.ly/45oE6x4

10/12/2025

It is sad to see the number of Australians with MS is increasing. If you know anyone in the New England with MS, especially newly diagnosed, please let them know we are here to support them.

A new report from our MS Research Flagship's health economics group has found that multiple sclerosis (MS) is costing Australians more than $3 billion a year, and the number of people with MS is up 77% since 2010.

𝘔𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢 2025, commissioned by MS Australia, found that almost 38,000 Australians are now living with MS. Tasmania continues to have the highest prevalence in the country, with 190 cases per 100,000 people, nearly double the rate in Queensland and Western Australia.

MS is the most common acquired chronic neurological disease affecting young adults, often diagnosed between ages 20–40. It can lead to job loss, financial strain and reduced quality of life. The report highlights the urgent need for investment in support services, early intervention and prevention.

Tasmania’s high MS prevalence is a stark reminder of why our research in this space is critical.

“Our vision is to improve health and wellbeing of Tasmanians through world-class research. We strive to reduce the burden of diseases such as MS to our community, and these findings reinforce that commitment,” said Professor Tracey Dickson, Director of Menzies.

Photo caption: 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 (𝘓-𝘙) 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘳 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘳, 𝘋𝘳 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭 (𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳), 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘷𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘦𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳 𝘎𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘻𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩

Head to the link in the comments to read more about our report 👇

07/12/2025

This free online course is very good for those newly diagnosed with MS as well as for family and friends who are also trying to understand what us happening to their loved ones. It is well presented, easy to follow, and can be watched at a time frame that suits the viewers. Enrolment for 2026 are open now.

Since our free online course launched in 2019 we've had more than 55,000 people enrol and learn with us.

If you know someone who has missed out, share this post and let them know that enrolments for 2026 are now open!

Sign up today or learn more 👇
https://ms.mooc.utas.edu.au/i/msums

07/12/2025

A good explanation of managing Relapsing Remitting MS. I hope it's helpful.

Manage relapsing-remitting MS with confidence: https://bit.ly/4mPjSDX

05/12/2025

05/12/2025

People with relapsing remitting MS can now access injectable Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

05/12/2025

Important and good news for those on Ocrevas.

05/12/2025

It is now officially summer. Hope you can all stay as cool as possible. Here is some information to help you do that.

When the temperature climbs, your symptoms might too, but you don’t have to let the heat dictate your day. ☀️

If you’re living with MS, you might recognise the frustrating pattern of fatigue, blurred vision, muscle weakness or brain-fog triggered by warmer days. That happens for a clear reason: heat-sensitive nerves slow down when you get too warm, making it harder for your body to keep up.

Here are some practical ways to help you stay cool and comfortable:
➡️ Drink plenty of cool water and avoid too much caffeine.
➡️ Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
➡️ Stay shaded or air-conditioned: use fans, close curtains, avoid direct sun.
➡️ Carry a misting spray or cooling towel for your face & wrists when you’re out.
️➡️ Plan your day around the cooler parts; mornings or evenings are often better.
➡️ And remember: symptoms triggered by heat are usually temporary and will ease once you cool down.

Want to learn more or find tailored support? Visit our website and reach out to our MS Nurse, because you deserve to feel comfortable, confident and in control all year round.