Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a method of quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis.  

The EDSS quantifies disability in

eight Functional Systems (FS) and allows neurologists to assign a Functional System Score (FSS) in each of these.  

The Functional Systems are: pyramidal cerebellar brainstem sensory bowel and bladder visual cerebral other

EDSS steps 1.0 to 4.5 refer to people with MS who are fully ambulatory.  

EDSS steps 5.0 to 9.5 are defined by the impairment to ambulation.

Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale

Ø   0.0   Normal neurological examination

Ø   1.0   No disability, minimal signs in one FS

Ø   1.5   No disability, minimal signs in more than one FS

Ø   2.0   Minimal disability in one FS

Ø   2.5   Mild disability in one FS or minimal disability in two FS

Ø   3.0   Moderate disability in one FS, or mild disability in three       or four FS. Fully ambulatory

Ø   3.5   Fully ambulatory but with moderate disability in one FS        and more than minimal disability in several others

Ø   4.0   Fully ambulatory without aid, self-sufficient, up and     about some 12 hours a day despite relatively severe         disability; able to walk without aid or rest some 500        meters

Ø   4.5   Fully ambulatory without aid, up and about much of the       day, able to work a full day, may otherwise have some limitation of full activity or require minimal assistance;        characterized by relatively severe disability; able to         walk without aid or rest some 300 meters.

Ø   5.0   Ambulatory without aid or rest for about 200 meters;   disability severe enough to impair full daily activities (work a full day without special provisions)

Ø   5.5   Ambulatory without aid or rest for about 100 meters;   disability severe enough to preclude full daily activities

Ø   6.0   Intermittent or unilateral constant assistance (cane,    crutch, brace) required to walk about 100 meters with     or without resting

Ø   6.5   Constant bilateral assistance (canes, crutches, braces)        required to walk about 20 meters without resting

Ø   7.0   Unable to walk beyond approximately five meters even        with aid, essentially restricted to wheelchair; wheels        self in standard wheelchair and transfers alone; up and   about in wheelchair some 12 hours a day

Ø   7.5   Unable to take more than a few steps; restricted to     wheelchair; may need aid in transfer; wheels self but         cannot carry on in standard wheelchair a full day; May        require motorized wheelchair

Ø   8.0   Essentially restricted to bed or chair or perambulated in       wheelchair, but may be out of bed itself much of the   day; retains many self-care functions; generally has         effective use of arms

Ø   8.5   Essentially restricted to bed much of day; has some    effective use of arms retains some self care functions

Ø   9.0   Confined to bed; can still communicate and eat.

Ø   9.5   Totally helpless bed patient; unable to communicate   effectively or eat/swallow

Ø   10.0  Death due to MS