Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
Quantifies disability in multiple sclerosis and monitors changes over time. Scored 0–10 based on neurological examination across 8 functional systems. Guides treatment decisions and trial eligibility.
Score interpretation
→ EDSS 0–1.5: No significant disability. Patient is fully ambulatory. Monitor for relapse; continue disease-modifying therapy (DMT) as appropriate.
→ EDSS 2.0–3.5: Mild disability; fully ambulatory. Review DMT efficacy; physiotherapy; occupational therapy assessment.
→ EDSS 4.0–5.5: Moderate disability; ambulatory but impaired. Consider switching to high-efficacy DMT (natalizumab, ocrelizumab); multidisciplinary MS team input; fatigue management.
→ EDSS 6.0–7.5: Walking aid required or restricted to wheelchair. Advanced MS management; symptom management (spasticity, pain, bladder); palliative input for symptom burden.
→ EDSS 8.0–10: Severely disabled or bedridden. Palliative and supportive care focus; prevent pressure injuries; bladder/bowel care; nutritional support.
Interpretation bands for the EDSS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Dimethyl Fumarate · Disease-Modifying Therapy — Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
- Ocrelizumab · Multiple Sclerosis — Disease-Modifying Therapy
- Fingolimod · Multiple Sclerosis — Disease-Modifying Therapy
- Alemtuzumab · Multiple Sclerosis — Disease-Modifying Therapy
- Cladribine · Multiple Sclerosis — Disease-Modifying Therapy
- Ofatumumab · Multiple Sclerosis — Disease-Modifying Therapy
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.