Geographical distribution of multiple sclerosis mortality in Spain.

Mortality from multiple sclerosis in Spain has been analyzed for the period 1969-1979. In this period 1841 deaths from MS as primary cause were registered. The death rate decreased markedly during the first years, but was steady between 1975 and 1979 with 0.35 deaths per 100,000 population. This value places Spain within the low-medium risk zone of MS. The geographical distribution by provinces shows a slight northern predominance, with the highest rates in the northwestern area.