The latest edition of 'News in Brief' assembled on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Network of Care, Australia, is now available. It reflects the 'collective voice' of an energetic cross section of the Australian MS Community.

Read the latest News in Brief at http://www.msnetwork.org/news.htm

Research, issue identification and feedback are the hallmarks of this community. Emphasis is placed on issues that have the potential to enhance individual quality of life perceptions. The current MS environment has been described as an 'Age of Discovery' in which maintaining and improving the Quality of Life of people living with MS, while at the same time, enhancing medical knowledge through 'hands on experiences', have become cornerstones for MS management. Some of the developments that are attracting the attention of MS communities in Australia are highlighted in this edition.

Topics include:

A SIGNIFICANT SHIFT IN EMPHASIS IN UNDERSTANDING MS - An 'Age of Discovery'
PEAK HEALTH BODIES RECOGNISE VASCULAR ASSOCIATIONS WITH MS - HealthPACT and NHRMC
THE NEED FOR CCSVI SCREENING STANDARDS - Uniform Standards to be published
GENETIC BRAIN DISORDER MISDIAGNOSED AS MS - Significant New Knowledge
NEW INSIGHT INTO THE PROGRESSION OF MS - A new concept of how MS may start
BACTERIUM LINKED TO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS -.Renewed interest in Chlamydia pneumoniae
LYME DISEASE CONTINUES TO ATTRACT INTEREST - New research about likely prevalence
AUSTRALIA HAS NO ENDORSED MS CARE GUIDELINES - Advice from NHMRC
DRAWING UPON KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE - The work of CCSVI Australia
THE DIFFUSION OF NEW KNOWLEDGE - Parliamentary Briefings
HIGHLIGHTING THE KEY ISSUES - Keeping it Simple
WHERE TO FROM HERE? - Following Canada's Lead
HOW YOU CAN HELP - Australian Petition
ADD YOUR SUPPORT - Asking  for Help
EMERGING NEW KNOWLEDGE - Digging Deeper

Peter Sullivan
On behalf of the
Multiple Sclerosis Network of Care, Australia

Footnote: The 28 December 2011 edition of the ABC 7.30 report on some of the aforementioned topics is well worth watching