Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis

A summary of the epidemiological facts known about multiple sclerosis is made. Attention is drawn to the odd geographical distributions in this disease, making allowance for the fact that in certain countries such as South America and China the true incidence has obviously not been assessed. The recent interest in the possibility of some animal disease such as scrapie in sheep being associated with multiple sclerosis is discussed, and further work in relation to an epidemiological study on more accurate lines is suggested. The less likely association with certain other diseases in human beings such as goitre and measles, and the possible implication of viruses in the aetiology of multiple sclerosis is discussed. Multiple sclerosis has various precipitant triggers such as trauma, infective illness and pregnancy and anaesthesia etc, which in any assessment of the aetiology is worth considering.