Assessment of disability in multiple sclerosis a new approach to epidemiological study.

The Kurtzke system and overall disability scales (KS) for multiple sclerosis were adapted to questionnaire form (QKS). A qualified nurse recorded Kurtzke ratings, by QKS, from 36 multiple sclerosis patients and 11 healthy controls. These scores were compared with ratings obtained by a doctor with neurological training using the conventional history/examination technique. The results obtained by these 2 methods were closely comparable. The use of a questionnaire appears to be a valid and accurate approach to the determination of disability in multiple sclerosis and may be of particular value in epidemiology and therapeutic trials in this condition.