Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: an expanded disability status scale (EDSS)

JF Kurtzke - Neurology, 1983 - AAN Enterprises
JF Kurtzke
Neurology, 1983AAN Enterprises
One method of evaluating the degree of neurologic impairment in MS has been the
combination of grades (0= normal to 5 or 6= maximal impairment) within 8 Functional
Systems (FS) and an overall Disability Status Scale (DSS) that had steps from 0 (normal) to
10 (death due to MS). A new Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is presented, with
each of the former steps (1, 2, 3… 9) now divided into two (1.0, 1.5, 2.0… 9.5). The lower
portion is obligatorily defined by Functional System grades. The FS are Pyramidal …
One method of evaluating the degree of neurologic impairment in MS has been the combination of grades (0 = normal to 5 or 6 = maximal impairment) within 8 Functional Systems (FS) and an overall Disability Status Scale (DSS) that had steps from 0 (normal) to 10 (death due to MS). A new Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is presented, with each of the former steps (1,2,3 … 9) now divided into two (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 … 9.5). The lower portion is obligatorily defined by Functional System grades. The FS are Pyramidal, Cerebellar, Brain Stem, Sensory, Bowel & Bladder, Visual, Cerebral, and Other; the Sensory and Bowel & Bladder Systems have been revised. Patterns of FS and relations of FS by type and grade to the DSS are demonstrated.
American Academy of Neurology