A population of MS patients in the west of Ireland.

A five year retrospective study was undertaken involving 87 patients admitted to the University College Hospital, Galway, with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to consider aspects of this disease as it affected this population in the West of Ireland. Age, sex, and social characteristics of the population were examined. Disease characteristics studied included its remittent and progressive forms and the degree of disability it caused. Relapses of disease were considered in greater detail. It was found that: 1. The highest percentage of patients with MS was in the 40-45 year age group. 2. The mean age of onset of the disease was 37.7 years. 3. Females were in the majority (female: male ratio of 1.4:1) and most of these suffered from the progressive form of MS. 4. Males tended to experience the larger percentage of relapses and had a lower annual relapse rate than females. 5. Of the social groups investigated, those involved in the industry had the highest reported average annual relapse rate. 6. Motor symptoms played an important part in exacerbations, either alone or in combination with other symptoms. 7. Relapses occurred in a cyclical fashion with peaks over 2-3 months. 8. The number of relapses did not tend to vary throughout the year.