Neurology A

EDSS — Expanded Disability Status Scale (MS)

Expanded Disability Status Scale for quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis. Ranges from 0 (normal) to 10 (death due to MS).

EDSS Score

Score interpretation

No/Minimal Disability 0–2

EDSS 0–1.5: No disability

→ Annual neurology review; consider disease-modifying therapy if relapsing course; monitor MRI

Mild Disability 3–7

EDSS 2–2.5: Mild disability

→ Disease-modifying therapy; physiotherapy; monitor for relapses

Moderate Disability 8–11

EDSS 3–5.5: Moderate disability; fully ambulatory

→ High-efficacy DMT consideration; multidisciplinary team; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; bladder/bowel management

Severe Disability 12–14

EDSS 6–7.5: Requires assistance to walk

→ Mobility aids; home adaptations; carer assessment; spasticity management; refer for specialist MS nursing

Very Severe Disability 15–19

EDSS 8–10: Essentially bedridden

→ Palliative care involvement; pressure area management; dysphagia assessment; advance care planning; multidisciplinary care

Interpretation bands for the EDSS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Kurtzke JF. Rating neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis: an expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Neurology. 1983;33(11):1444-1452.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.