World MS Day

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. Today more than 2,000,000 people around the world have MS.

MS is the result of damage to myelin - a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body.

Symptoms vary widely and include blurred vision, weak limbs, unsteadiness, pain and fatigue. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.

This film is a joint project of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and the Hertie Foundation launched on the first ever World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day, 27 May 2009. It aims to capture the attention of people worldwide, motivate them to learn more about MS and become involved in the global MS movement. Show your support today! Register at www.worldmsday.org

The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) is the umbrella organisation of national MS societies. MSIF leads the global MS movement by stimulating research into the understanding and treatment of MS and by improving the quality of life of people affected by MS. www.msif.org

The Hertie Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Germany. For more than 30 years the Foundation has been actively engaged in MS research and in supporting people with MS. www.ghst.de