Can artificial intelligence truly be conscious — or can it only imitate the language of thought and feeling?
Inspired by neurologist Dr Marcell Britz’s reflection on consciousness, AI and what it means to be human, this post explores the difference between intelligence and the lived experience of feeling.
Can Artificial Intelligence Ever Feel? Read More »
ECTRIMS 2025 insights for South Africa: Explore updates to the McDonald Criteria, new biomarker research, and why global MS collaboration matters for diagnosis, treatment access, and patient advocacy. Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) was proud to be represented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2025, held in Barcelona — the world’s largest MS meeting, attended by more than 9,500 neurologists, researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders from across the globe. To be part of that international gathering — where every conversation centred on advancing MS care, understanding, and research — was both inspiring and deeply motivating. 🌍 Why ECTRIMS Matters ECTRIMS is not just a scientific congress; it’s where the future of MS treatment, diagnosis, and patient advocacy takes shape. Each session, from cutting-edge research presentations to lived-experience panels, carries insights that ripple far beyond Europe — reaching communities like ours in South Africa, where access, awareness, and patient support remain critical priorities. 🧭 Key Themes and Learnings 📖 The Revised McDonald Criteria The McDonald Criteria, the global standard used to diagnose MS, is undergoing revision. These changes aim to make diagnosis both earlier and more precise, reflecting new understanding of disease presentation and imaging. For South Africa, this means renewed focus on ensuring equitable access to MRI scanning and diagnostic expertise, so that these advances can reach every person who needs them. 🧪 Biomarkers on the Horizon One of the most exciting frontiers discussed was the development of biomarkers — measurable biological indicators in blood or cerebrospinal fluid that can help detect, track, and understand MS activity. Biomarkers could transform care by enabling earlier diagnosis and more tailored treatment decisions, especially in regions where neurologists and advanced imaging are limited resources. 👥 Patient Involvement and Global Collaboration MSSA also took part in Patient Community Day, a vibrant space where people living with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD shared stories and strategies from around the world. This gathering underscored a growing truth in the MS field: authentic patient voices are no longer optional — they are essential in shaping clinical care, research design, and advocacy agendas. 💬 What This Means for South Africa The lessons from ECTRIMS resonate strongly with our mission at MSSA. They reaffirm that: Access matters — scientific progress must reach every person living with MS, regardless of geography or income. Early diagnosis saves function — the right diagnostic tools and criteria can prevent years of uncertainty. Patient perspective leads progress — by sharing real experiences, South Africans with MS help shape global understanding. MSSA will continue to collaborate with international partners, share the latest knowledge, and ensure that South Africa’s MS community remains connected to global innovation. 🙏 With Gratitude MSSA’s participation at ECTRIMS 2025 was made possible through the generous support of: MSIF — for providing a free registration to attend ECTRIMS. Merck (Pty) Ltd — for covering travel and accommodation costs. Their support ensured that the voices and experiences of people with MS in South Africa were heard on the world’s biggest stage for MS research and advocacy. Together, we are ensuring that no one faces MS alone — and that South Africa continues to be part of the global conversation shaping the future of multiple sclerosis care. Team MS South Africa
✨Bringing ECTRIMS 2025 Back Home Read More »
A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can bring many questions, decisions and practical challenges. It can also feel isolating, particularly when people do not know where to turn for reliable information, support or connection. Multiple Sclerosis South Africa (MSSA) is a national patient-support organisation for people living with multiple sclerosis, their families and caregivers across South Africa. We do not provide medical treatment, prescribe medication or operate a clinical facility. However, we offer support, trusted information, connection and advocacy to help people affected by MS navigate the realities of living with the condition. What MSSA Offers Trusted information and practical guidance MS can be complex, and information online is not always reliable or relevant to South Africa. MSSA helps people better understand: Multiple sclerosis and its different forms Symptoms, relapses and day-to-day challenges Treatment pathways and the importance of working with a neurologist Medical-aid processes and access challenges State-sector care and referral pathways Disability, workplace and practical support concerns Questions to ask healthcare professionals Our role is to help people find clear, responsible information and understand where to seek the right professional help. Peer-support communities No person should have to navigate MS alone. MSSA connects people living with MS through peer-support communities where members can share experiences, ask practical questions and find encouragement from others who understand the journey. Our support communities include: Provincial MS groups Treatment-specific groups Groups for people living with progressive MS Younger people with MS groups Caregiver and family-support spaces National support communities These groups are not a replacement for medical care. They are spaces for connection, shared experience and mutual support. Advocacy and access support Many people living with MS face barriers that go beyond the condition itself. MSSA advocates for improved access to neurologists, earlier diagnosis, appropriate treatment and equitable healthcare. We also support members who are navigating challenges such as: Medical-aid funding or treatment-access concerns Delays or difficulties in accessing specialists State-sector neurology services Disability-related concerns Workplace challenges and reasonable accommodation Access to rehabilitation and support services While we cannot make clinical or medical-aid decisions on behalf of a person, we can help clarify processes, identify possible next steps and direct people to appropriate channels. Educational sessions and webinars Knowledge can make a meaningful difference. MSSA hosts educational sessions, webinars and discussions with neurologists, healthcare professionals and people with lived experience of MS. These sessions aim to provide accurate information, practical insight and opportunities for people to ask questions in a supportive environment. Topics may include treatment, symptom management, progressive MS, emotional wellbeing, disability, workplace issues, caregiving, research and living well with MS. Referrals and signposting Where possible, MSSA helps people identify appropriate services and professionals. This may include signposting to: Neurologists and MS-focused healthcare professionals Rehabilitation therapists, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists Social workers and community services Legal, disability and workplace-support resources Relevant patient-support programmes and organisations MSSA does not replace professional medical, legal or social-work advice, but we can often help people understand where to begin. Community connection At the heart of MSSA is community. Living with MS can affect relationships, work, finances, independence, mental wellbeing and everyday life. Connecting with others who understand can make an enormous difference. MSSA exists so that people living with MS in South Africa do not have to face the journey in isolation. Important Medical Disclaimer For medical advice, diagnosis, prescriptions, treatment decisions or changes to medication, it is essential to work directly with a neurologist or treating healthcare team. MSSA provides support, information and connection, but does not replace individual medical care. Join Multiple Sclerosis South Africa If you are living with MS, a family member, caregiver or supporter, you are welcome to apply to join Multiple Sclerosis South Africa. Membership connects people with our national MS community, trusted information, relevant support groups, educational opportunities and updates on advocacy and access matters affecting people living with MS in South Africa. To apply, please complete the online membership application form: Apply to join MSSA here The form will ask for the information we need to process your application and help ensure that you are connected with the most relevant MSSA support structures. Once your application has been reviewed, we will guide you through the next steps.
How Multiple Sclerosis South Africa Supports People Living With MS Read More »
Itching isn’t usually the first symptom people associate with multiple sclerosis.
Can Multiple Sclerosis Cause Itching? Understanding MS-Related Itching Read More »