New online resource helps those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

MS Australia and MS Research Australia partnered together with online animation and health storytelling company Medicine X to develop the free resource MS Xplained to allow people diagnosed with MS and their families and friends understand the condition.

MS Xplained uses a character named Sommer, who shares her experience of dealing with a sudden diagnosis after experiencing headaches, ‘pins and needles’ in her legs and blurry vision.

Sommer’s story helps translate health professional speak into an interesting and engaging story.

“It’s not always easy accepting help,” she tells visitors of the website MSXplained.com.au

“But letting others help you will actually let you be more independent and active. Your symptoms will come and go and change, but so can your treatments.”

“Talk to your care team so you can work with them to help live your best life.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Medicine X Cathryn Corcoran says MS Xplained can help people diagnosed with MS understand what’s going on during what is an overwhelming and scary time.

“It’s often difficult to know where to turn when you’re first diagnosed. I hope this type of resource can really make a difference to help people with MS understand a diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t go on to live a fulfilling and rewarding life.”

MS Xplained is the second project involving animation to help educate people on MS and took a little under a year to bring to life.

CEO of MS Australia, Deidre Mackechnie says MS Xplained has gained some traction on social media.

“Feedback has been positive with a large number of tags and shares on social media,” she explains.

“This approach to describing MS is not for everyone, but is a fun and innovative approach to ensuring diversity in the ways in which MS is explained, to both those newly diagnosed with MS and those that want to know more about the condition.”

You can find MS Xplained at MSXplained.com.au.