 |
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
From The MS Information Sourcebook, produced by the National MS Society.
The Expanded Disability Status Scale or EDSS is one of the oldest and most widely used rating systems for judging the clinical status of people with MS.
Uses Half-Point Increments to Signify Disability
The EDSS is an expansion and refinement of the Disability Status Scale (DSS); both were developed by the eminent MS neurologist, Dr. John Kurtzke. The EDSS is measured in one-half point increments, from 0.0 (normal) to 10.0 (death). In order to rate a person on the EDSS, the neurologist first performs a standard neurologic examination to test strength, coordination, vision, walking, etc. The neurologist next summarizes the results of the neurological examination in several "Functional System Scores" such as pyramidal function (strength and spasticity), vision, bowel and bladder, etc. Finally, the neurologist uses the Functional System Scores along with ability to walk to rate the individual on the EDSS.
Although it is widely used in research, the EDSS is limited to some extent because it appears to be measuring different functions at different levels. Scores on the less severe end of the scale are more dependent upon nuances in a number of MS symptoms; those in the middle range are more dependent upon walking; those in the upper (more impaired) range also depend upon ability to take care of oneself. Most importantly, there is evidence that the EDSS lacks adequate sensitivity to changes that occur in MS-related impairment over time. Although the EDSS is used by some neurologists to track the course of individual patients, its major use is as a benchmark in clinical trials. In spite of its limitations, the EDSS represents a familiar and widely used standard, and is therefore likely to remain an important part of clinical assessment in MS for the foreseeable future.
Here are some of the scores from the EDSS and what they represent:
| 0.0 |
Normal neurological exam |
| 1.0-1.5 |
No disability but with some abnormal signs on the neurological exam |
| 2.0-5.5 |
Disability is present but able to walk without mechanical or human assistance |
| 6.0 |
Needs a single cane, crutch, or brace in order to walk |
| 6.5 |
Needs two canes, two crutches, or two braces in order to walk |
| 7.0-7.5 |
May be able to take a few steps but needs a wheelchair for mobility |
| 8.0 |
Not able to walk; restricted to wheelchair |
| 8.5-9.5 |
Restricted to bed |
| 10.0 |
Death due to MS |
See also...
Society Web Resource
|
|
