The Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a method of quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis. The EDSS replaced the previous Disability Status Scales which used to bunch people with MS in the lower brackets.
The EDSS quantifies disability in eight Functional Systems (FS) and allows neurologists to assign a Functional System Score (FSS) in each of these. The Functional Systems are:
- pyramidal
- cerebellar
- brainstem
- sensory
- bowel and bladder
- visual
- cerebral
- other
EDSS steps 1.0 to 4.5 refer to people with MS who are fully ambulatory.
EDSS steps 5.0 to 9.5 are defined by the impairment to ambulation.
