Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that is often misunderstood. Currently, around 2.9 million people worldwide have MS, and it is the leading cause of disability in young adults. However, there is still a lack of awareness of multiple sclerosis. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month?

👉 Official Name: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
💚 Cause: Raising awareness of Multiple Sclerosis
📅 Next Date: March 1-31, 2026
🌐 Official Website: https://mymsaa.org/about-msaa/ms-awareness-month-2024
🐦 Hashtag: #MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth

Keep on reading to find out all the important information about Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month occurs every March and was founded to support those living with MS, as well as their families and carers. The event also exists to make people more knowledgeable about multiple sclerosis, and better understand the symptoms to promote earlier treatment and support.

2️⃣ Why it is important: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) impacts 2.9 million people around the globe, yet, it is still widely misunderstood, with many people unaware of the complexities that surround this disease. Multiple sclerosis is an often invisible neurological disability, impacting the brain and spinal cord, meaning that symptoms are not always obvious. There is currently no cure for MS, but the condition and its symptoms can be managed with various treatments. It is important to spread awareness about MS to increase knowledge about the disease and how best to support those living with it.

3️⃣ How you can get involved: You can get involved in Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month by helping to spread information about the disease, supporting people you know who are suffering from MS, or attending an awareness event:

1. Reach out to people you know with multiple sclerosis: If there’s anyone in your life who lives with MS, reach out to them and let them know how special they are to you. Disability can often feel isolating, so it’s important to show your loved ones that you’re there for them.
2. Educate yourself: There are a lot of misconceptions about MS, and Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is the perfect time for you to learn more about the disease. You can find out about the best ways to support those with MS, as well as discover some of the symptoms.
3. Help fundraise or go to an event: To show your support for MS awareness, as well as help scientists and doctors develop more advanced treatments, you could attend a local MS fundraising event, or even hold one yourself.

In addition, you can donate to a charity that supports people with Multiple Sclerosis. Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month:

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• MS Society
• 9 Best Charities That Combat Neurological Disorders

A Brief History of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

When was this event established: Sylvia Lawry founded the Multiple Sclerosis Society in 1946, when research into the disease was almost non-existent, to better understand and treat MS. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month was established, during which numerous charities and organizations launched campaigns to raise awareness of the disease and support sufferers. 

How has it developed since then: Since the founding of the MS Society, there have been enormous advancements in medicines and treatments, working towards finding a cure for the disease. Over 15,000 posts tagged with #MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth have been posted on Instagram alone.

3 Interesting Facts About Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

1. Distance from the Equator: Areas further away from the Equator seem to see more cases of MS, with Scotland having the highest incident rate. Scientists are not exactly sure why this is, but it is thought to be linked to light exposure and UVB rays.
2. Misdiagnoses: Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease that presents itself differently in each patient. In fact, 46% of MS cases were initially misdiagnosed as something else.
3. Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy: Until quite recently, it was believed that pregnancy could increase the chance of an MS flare-up after giving birth. However, it is now thought that pregnancy can decrease inflammation and ease some MS symptoms, potentially even leading to fewer flare-ups. 

Upcoming Dates of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is observed every year for the entire month of March.

Never Miss an Awareness Event Again

Sources

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: How Many People Live With Multiple Sclerosis?
• Healthwatch: Multiple Sclerosis: Invisible & misunderstood
• Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month 2024
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Calendar of All Programs and Events
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: MS Facts vs Myths
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Home
• MS Society: Home
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities That Combat Neurological Disorders (Complete 2024 List)
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: About Our Founder, Sylvia Lawry
• My BioSource: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
• Instagram: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
• National Library of Medicine: Temporal trends in the incidence of multiple sclerosis
• National Library of Medicine: The contemporary spectrum of multiple sclerosis misdiagnosis
• John Hopkins Medicine: Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy