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Functional Systems of Kurtzke for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Description

Kurtzke developed the Functional Systems (FS) to comprise all of the neurologic abnormalities that can be detected on physical examination. The individual component grades can be monitored over time to assess the patient's disease progression or response to interventions. The author is from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.


 

Functional Systems:

(1) pyramidal functions (P)

(2) cerebellar functions (Cll)

(3) brain stem functions (BS)

(4) sensory functions (S)

(5) bowel and bladder functions (BB)

(6) visual or optic functions (V)

(7) cerebral or mental functions (Cb)

(8) other functions (O)

 

The functions are scored from 0 (normal) to 5 (severe impairment).

 

Interpretation:

• The functional systems are used in conjunction with the Disability Status Scale (DSS or EDSS) to evaluate a patient with multiple sclerosis. The different grades of the functional systems are not additive, and each system is monitored separately over time. The DSS or EDSS provides a global description of patient status.

 


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Specialty

ICD-10