This page brings together evidence-based resources to support healthcare professionals involved in the care of people living with multiple sclerosis.
Here you’ll find educational materials, and information designed to support informed decision-making, multidisciplinary care, and better outcomes for people living with MS and allied conditions throughout their MS care journey.
Brain Health
Time Matters is a global initiative that equips healthcare professionals with evidence‑based guidance on improving outcomes in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD. It emphasizes early diagnosis, timely and effective treatment decisions, and system‑level changes intended to improve access to timely treatment and care.
McDonald Criteria for Diagnosing MS
The McDonald criteria are the internationally accepted guidelines neurologists use to make a timely and accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
MS Canada – Updates to the McDonald Criteria for Diagnosing MS
Changing how we diagnose MS – short video on what’s changing and why it matters
Diagnostic workup – an online guide, including tests and findings required to diagnose MS
MS diagnostic algorithm – printable flyer that can be used as a quick reference guide
Requirements for diagnosing MS – printable flyer with quick reference to diagnostic requirements based on number of DIS anatomical locations
Imaging and fluid biomarkers glossary – descriptions of the new biomarkers that can aid in earlier and accurate diagnosis
Six key updates to the McDonald Criteria – overview of the key changes and resources for providers
Special Populations
Pediatric onset MS (NMSS)
Pediatric MS should be diagnosed using the same diagnostic criteria as adult-onset MS with additional considerations given to differential diagnosis (see “Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis: 2024 Revisions of the McDonald Criteria”). MRI, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and serum MOG antibodies serostatus are the critical features to distinguish children with MS from children with non-MS diagnoses.
Late onset MS and comorbidities
Comorbid health conditions commonly affect people living with MS and increase with age. An older age of MS onset and comorbidities that have clinical and imaging features that overlap with those of MS (including headache and vascular disorders) can increase the risk of misdiagnosis (see “Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis: 2024 Revisions of the McDonald Criteria”).
In people 50 and older, or with significant vascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, obesity), special considerations are strongly recommended to confirm an MS diagnosis, including spinal cord lesions, central vein sign, and positive fluid biomarkers (OCB or KFLC).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Canadian Network of MS Clinics
A national network of academic and community-based clinics established for the advancement of patient services, education, and research in MS.
Treatment Optimization in MS (TOMS)
2020 recommendations for optimizing MS treatment in Canada.
First-Line Use of Higher-Efficacy Disease-Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis: Canadian Consensus Recommendations (2025)
Canada’s Drug Agency
Review of Guidelines on Second-Line Therapy for Patients with Relapsing Remitting MS
The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT)
- JDAPT is a flexible online tool that helps individuals assess the demands of their job assessing the following areas: physical demands, cognitive demands, interpersonal demands, and working conditions.
Disability Tax Credit
- Canada Pension Plan Disability benefit (CPP-D) Application Support- MS Canada offers support to people in completing sections C2 & C8 of the CPP-D Application.
Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC)
A U.S. based organization that supports comprehensive MS care through research, education, and clinical guidelines. It offers accredited training and professional development for the full MS care team, including neurologists, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation specialists, and other allied health professionals.
Education Platforms for Healthcare Providers
NeurologyLive
News and education platform for neurology professionals, with updates on MS and demyelinating disorders.
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Learning Platforms
Short, focused educational modules for neurologists, offered by the American Academy of Neurology (English only).
Practical Neurology (BMJ) - MS Masters Video Series
The MS Masters Video Series is a set of short, expert‑led videos from Practical Neurology (BMJ) that give clinicians quick, practical guidance on diagnosing and managing MS.