EDSS SCALE

Expanded Disability Status Scale or EDSS scale is a method to measure disability that can Multiple Sclerosis to cause to the patient and to monitor its progress. It is used both in clinical practice and in MS research and studies. It was developed by a neurologist named Kurtzke in 1983. It measures and monitors 8 functional systems related to the Central Nervous System, which is known to suffer in Disease.

The systems

These systems are:

1) Pyramidal system, with this we neurologists control the mobility and weakness of the limbs

2) Cerebellar functions, concern the ability to perform coordinated movements, hand tremors, trunk stability

3) Functions of the brain stem, associated with speech, swallowing, the nystagmus phenomenon

4) Aesthetic function, refers to numbness and loss e.g. of touch

5) Bowel and bladder functions

6) Visual functions

7) Higher mental functions

8) Other neurological functions

Each operating system receives some points (0 = no impact, 5 or 6 = great impact). The score starts from 0 and goes up to 10. The examination, recording and monitoring is done by a neurologist. IN NO CASE it does not mean that the patient who has the disease will reach a high score. On the contrary, in recent years with the available treatments, it is not common for a patient to pass the score of 3 to 4.

Total Score 0= without any symptoms

Score 1.0 = no disability, but with clear symptoms from the disease

Score 3.0 = moderate disability

Score 4.0 = ability to walk without assistance

Score 5.5 = inability in several functions of daily life, but walking is maintained

Score 6.0 = needs help to be able to walk 100 meters

Score 7.0 = limited patient most of the time in a wheelchair

Score 8.5 = limited patient most hours in bed

Score 9.5 = major disability, patient completely bedridden, unable to communicate, dysphagia

Score 10 = death from MS