Problems with rating scales for multiple sclerosis: a novel approach ? the CAMBS score

Abstract
Current rating scales for multiple sclerosis are unsatisfactory because they score each patient's condition without indicating the clinical context in which that score has been obtained. The Cambridge Multiple Sclerosis Basic Score (CAMBS) offers a solution to this problem by recording current status in the context of the clinical course. CAMBS distinguishesdisability fromhandicap and indicates the independent contribution ofrelapse andprogression to current clinical activity. Single scores of between 1 and 5 are assigned to each of these indices, giving a simple four component analysis for each clinical encounter, e.g. disability 3; relapse 1; progression 2; handicap 1.