How to Find Trusted Information about MS

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There's a lot of information available about MS. Some information is based on research, while other information may be opinion or misinformation. Learning how to evaluate health information can help you make informed decisions about your health and care. 

When you come across information about MS, ask these questions: 

  • Who’s sharing it? 
  • What is it based on? 
  • Where did it come from? 
  • When was it shared? 
  • Why does it matter to me? 
  • And how can I check it? 

These questions can help you decide if the information is trustworthy, useful, and appropriate for you.

Not all information sources are the same. Today, health information comes from many sources, like websites, social media, videos, podcasts, online communities, AI tools, and from people in our lives. 

Trusted sources, like healthcare professionals, researchers, hospitals, universities and health organizations, base their information on scientific research. This information can help you learn more about MS, but it does not replace advice from your healthcare team.

Personal stories shared by social media influencers, bloggers and community members can help people feel supported and less alone. They can provide hope, connection and shared experiences, but they should be considered alongside trusted, evidence-based information and advice from your healthcare team.

Medical knowledge changes as new evidence becomes available. Researchers carefully study and test new ideas to understand what works, what's safe, and who may benefit. This process helps ensure that health information is based on reliable evidence. Early research can give us useful information, but more research is needed to make sure the findings are reliable before they can guide broader recommendations.

How to Check Health Information About MS

Is this based on scientific research?

  • Check if the information comes from a research study, not just an opinion or article. 
  • Look for studies published in medical journals or trusted sources. 
  • Missing references may be a sign to look closer.

Did the research involve people with MS?

  • Check whether the study included people living with MS. 
  • Research in other health conditions may not apply to MS. 

How many people took part?

  • Larger studies can provide stronger evidence. 
  • Small studies can provide early insights, but larger studies are needed to confirm results. 

Were the participants like me?

  • Think about the age, sex, and disease course of the people included. 
  • Results may not apply if the study group is very different from you. 

What stage is the research at?

  • Early research, including lab or animal studies, helps researchers understand what may happen in people. 
  • Studies involving more people with MS and repeated results provide stronger evidence. 

Where’s the information from?

Health information comes from many sources, including websites, social media, videos, podcasts, online communities, AI tools, and printed materials. Because not all information is reliable, it is important to know how to identify trustworthy sources.

How to Check if Health Information Online is Trustworthy

Who runs the website?

  • Look for the organization or website name. 
  • Trusted sources are clear about who they are and why they provide information. 

Who wrote it?

  • Check the author’s qualifications and experience. 
  • Look for relevant credentials, like healthcare or research experience. 

Are experts involved?

  • Look for healthcare professionals or researchers who contributed or reviewed the information. 

Is there contact information?

  • Reliable sources usually provide a way to contact them. 

Are sources referenced?

  • Look for cited studies, research, or other reliable sources. 

Artificial Intelligence Sites (AI)

AI can be a helpful tool for learning about health topics, understanding medical terms, or preparing questions for your healthcare provider. However, it’s important to use it thoughtfully. Never share personal details, like your name, medical records, or other private health information, with AI unless you are using an AI tool provided or recommended by your healthcare team.

AI can make mistakes and may not have the full context of your health history. AI should support, not replace, advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Like any health information you find online, information from AI should be checked and validated using trusted sources. Ask AI questions that help you understand where the information comes from and how reliable it is:
 

Ask for references and check that they come from trusted sources.

Ask whether the information is based on scientific research.

Ask whether findings come from large studies or early research.

Ask when the information was published or updated.

Ask what is still uncertain or where there are gaps in the research.

New studies can change what we know about health and treatments. Information published on websites or social media in the past may not reflect the latest findings. Look for the date the content was written or last updated, since recent research is usually more useful. While some research findings posted in the past may still be accurate, it’s always a good idea to check that the information is up to date.

Information about MS can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your health, treatment, care, and daily life. Since MS affects everyone differently, consider how the information relates to your MS, symptoms, treatments, overall health, and what matters most to you.

If you're unsure how information applies to your situation, talk with your healthcare team or connect with an MS Navigator.