Tobacco smoking has been linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis. However, to date, results from the few studies on the impact of smoking on the progression of disability are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of smoking on disability progression and disease severity in a cohort of patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis. We analysed data fr...

OBJECTIVE To investigate accidental falls and near fall incidents in people with multiple sclerosis with respect to clinical variables and the predictive values of four tests. DESIGN A longitudinal, multi-centred cohort study with prospectively collected falls. PROCEDURES Self-reported incidents during the three months following a standardized test procedure. SUBJECTS Seventy-six people w...

BACKGROUND The number and volume of abnormalities on baseline brain magnetic resonance images in patients with initial findings suggestive of multiple sclerosis are known to predict outcome in terms of disability. However, no long-term data exist on specific locations or types of lesions. OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term predictive value of baseline magnetic resonance imaging parameters, inc...

BACKGROUND The measurement of neurologic impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) is of importance in treatment trials and course of illness. METHODS This review describes the rationale underlying the formation and use of a bifid rating system, the (Expanded) Disability Status Scale (DSS) and the Functional Systems (FS). RESULTS All signs found at neurologic examination in MS can be consolidat...

BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease. Hand dysfunction is one of the main complaints of patients with MS. The present study aimed to compare hand dexterity of MS patients with low Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and healthy adults. It also sought to identify the predictors of disability status of patients with MS based on their manu...

Accurate, efficient measurement of disease status has become a key issue in MS clinical practice and research. Despite some perceived problems, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) remains the most widely used comprehensive measure of impairment. There is also a place for more restricted scales of impairment which focus on some aspects of neurological function in more detail than the EDS...