Minimal record of disability in multiple sclerosis--application to Japanese patients.

The Japanese version of Minimal Record of Disability in MS was applied to randomly selected Japanese MS cases in order to determine the applicability of the scales and also to get the general trends of the disabilities of Japanese MS. The scales did reflect impairment of functional systems, in which visual system was most severe. The average DSS was 4/10. Incapacity status or environment status were well correlated with impairment of pyramidal or bowel/bladder systems. They also correlated with DSS. Duration of the illness was correlated with the severity of impairment, disability or handicap. Accumulation of such a core data base may help in management of the MS problems in the world.