New England MS Branch

16/04/2026

A very informative and easy to do and understand course. I recommend it to everyone, especially newly diagnosed, and family and friends ds of those with MS.

Learn about multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, how its diagnosed and the experience of people living with MS in this free short course that has been curated in support of the World MS Day campaign My MS Diagnosis.

16/04/2026

What’s driving the risk of multiple sclerosis, and could a common virus be a key piece of the puzzle? 🧠🦠

Research led by Dr Yuan Zhou from our MS Research Flagship is shedding new light on the role of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition affecting more than 37,000 Australians.

Dr Zhou is the lead investigator of a major MRFF‑funded project within the Australian Consortium for EBV Research in MS (ACE‑MS), a national collaboration examining how EBV contributes to MS and how this knowledge could inform future prevention and treatment strategies. His team is also collaborating with research groups internationally, including the Genome Institute of Singapore and partners in the European EBV-MS Consortium.

“Currently, by the time MS is diagnosed, there is already damage occurring in the brain. It is hard to turn back the clock,” says Dr Zhou.
“If we are able to show that MS development is influenced by specific EBV strains, there may be future opportunities to prevent the disease through early or preventative interventions.”

Read more via the link in the comments. 👇

04/04/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter. Hope the Easter bunny is generous to you all. 🐇🐇😘💝

04/04/2026

Understanding symptoms of MS is very helpful to not only those suffering with MS, but also to the carers, family and friends who are there to help and support when needed.

🌟 Understanding common symptoms of MS 🌟
MS affects everyone differently, but there are some common symptoms many people living with MS experience. Knowing these can help you better recognise changes early.
🔹 Fatigue – persistent tiredness that doesn’t always improve with rest.
🔹 Balance problems & dizziness – unsteadiness or coordination issues.
🔹 Bladder & bowel changes – urgency, frequency or incontinence.
🔹 Cognitive fog – difficulty thinking clearly, remembering or concentrating.
🔹 Vision changes – blurred or double vision or blind spots.
🔹 Sensory symptoms – tingling, numbness, burning or itching sensations.
🔹 Weakness & pain – muscle weakness and discomfort that can affect daily life.
🔹 Tremors or spasms – involuntary shaking or tightness in muscles.
🔹 Headaches, mood changes & emotions – including depression or anxiety.
🔹 Paroxysmal symptoms – sudden, brief symptoms such as electric -shock-like sensations or sharp pain.
Living with MS means symptoms can vary over time and from person to person.
👉 Learn more about these symptoms: https://www.msplus.org.au/your-neuro-condition/common-symptoms

18/03/2026

For any of the artistic ones among us, here is a chance to share your talents and express what MS means to you.

15/03/2026

Come and visit us at out stall at the upcoming Armidale Autumn Festival on Saturday 21st March and enjoy the wonderful parade. We would love to meet you all. Tickets for our annual fundraising raffle will also be available, with the potential to win some wonderful gift vouchers from local businesses.

Last chance! Autumn Festival 2026 parade entires close tonight! 🍂

Don't miss out on your chance at a $1000 parade prize for the best Autumn themed float proudly supported by

🔗 Apply now: https://www.armidale.nsw.gov.au/Our-region/Events/Autumn-Festival-2026

🍂 Autumn Festival 2026
🗓 21 March | 5:30AM - 5PM
📍Civic Park | CBD

15/03/2026

Information is important, not just for those with MS but also those without it. Information creates tolerance, assistance, empathy, support and understanding for everyone.

11/03/2026

Pain is the unseen partner of MS. Understanding it hopefully will help with dealing with it.

Find answers about managing pain with MS here: https://bit.ly/4mIlG1l

05/03/2026

A little brain teaser for the day. I took two goes to get it right. Good luck.

05/03/2026

Research is a valuable tool to discovering how life with MS can be navigated. If you can help with this, or know someone who can, please volunteer for this study. The more who respond, the a more complete picture of life with MS can be seen and hopefully improved. Thank you.

Researchers at Monash University are seeking women living with MS between the ages of 40-69 to participate in a study to understand the physical health and psychological, sexual and socioeconomic wellbeing of Australian midlife women living with MS.

This study involves answering an online survey that will take between about 30-45 minutes to complete.

Learn more and participate 👉 https://bit.ly/45C6PzQ

28/02/2026

Janine lives with MS and is a Paralympic Taekwondo medallist whose NDIS goals focus on maintaining her independence and mobility.

After a brief NDIS planning call, Janine was told her therapy supports would increase, but her new plan instead reduced her physiotherapy from two hours per week to 12 hours per year and replaced qualified therapy supports with a therapy assistant and a support worker.

MS Australia’s 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission calls for a better NDIS for people living with MS through improved pricing, planning, workforce capability and access to appropriate allied health supports.

Read Janine’s story and the Pre-Budget Submission 👉 https://bit.ly/3Ol6xac

28/02/2026

Dealing with doctors can be challenging. Being prepared can make this easier for everyone.

Tips for talking confidently to your MS doctor: https://bit.ly/45JWPUe