EDSS
Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale
A widely used, clinician-administered scale quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis.
At a Glance
- Population
- Adults with multiple sclerosis
- Number of Items
- Composite score derived from 8 functional-system sub-scores plus ambulation assessment
- Instrument Type
- ClinRO (clinician-rated)
- Digital Administration Availability
- Administered by a clinician; suitable for structured digital data capture
- Automated Scoring Availability
- Not self-scored — score is assigned by the examining clinician based on a standardised neurological examination
- Suitable Use Settings
- Multiple sclerosis clinical care and clinical trials
About the Instrument
Developed by John F. Kurtzke, the EDSS is one of the most widely used methods for quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis. A certified variant, Neurostatus, is also used in many clinical trials and requires separate certification/training.
What It Measures
Neurological disability across eight functional systems (e.g. pyramidal, cerebellar, sensory, visual) combined into a single 0–10 disability score, with ambulation weighted heavily at higher scores.
Digital Administration
Delivered electronically through the PROMinsight platform as part of a digital patient-reported outcomes workflow.
Scoring / Reporting
The examining clinician grades each functional system, and these sub-scores (with ambulation) are combined per the Kurtzke algorithm into a single 0–10 score in 0.5-point increments.
Use in Research / Clinical Care / Clinical Trials
The long-standing reference disability outcome measure in multiple sclerosis clinical trials and natural-history studies.
Enquire About This Instrument
Interested in using the EDSS in your research, clinical programme or study? Contact PROMinsight to discuss access.
Enquire About This Instrument