Evaluation of the clinical findings of the patients appealing multiple sclerosis out patient clinic according to the demographic characteristics

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In young adults, it is the first disease that causes disability after trauma. It is more common in females than males. Clinical symptoms are various. Frequently, sensory symptoms are encountered. In this study, we examined the applications of the patients who applied to the multiple sclerosis outpatient clinic along 1 year. We aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical findings of the patients. We recorded the last data bases. In the end of the study, we purposed to see relation of demographic features with factors like application of hospital, clinical symptoms, duration of illness, treatments. 109 patients who applied to the neurology department's multiple sclerosis outpatient clinic were included the study. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed from patient files. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients from Malatya. Group 2 consisted of patients from neighbour cities. The mean age of the patients in both groups was similar (35,84 ± 10,35 in group 1, 33,28 ± 10,47 in group 2). The duration of disease was longer in group 1 (75.12 ± 68.88 months in group 1, 45.60 ± 36.96 months in group 2). The mean EDSS score was higher in group 1 (2.53 ± 1.41 in group 1, 1.73 ± 1.19 in group 2). The rate of application with clinical complaints were higher in group 2 ( 63.8% in group 1, 85% in group 2). The rate of application with motor complaints was higher in group 2. The rates of complaints with brain stem were higher in group 2 (2.9% in group 1 and 20% in group 2). The rates of applications with complaints with cognitive impairment, psychiatric complaints, control blood tests and other clinical complaints were greater in group 2. In this study, it was determined that patients from Malatya can find solutions to their complaints in other health centers. It is more appropriate for patients from neighbour cities to refer to an MS specialist. The results in this study are similar in some studies. It has been thought that better results can be achieved with longer follow-up of patients and increased number of patients. Keywords: demographic features, EDSS, multiple sclerosis