We are currently carrying out a National Incidence Study trying to calculate the number of new cases of multiple sclerosis diagnosed in Ireland from 1st March 2014 to 28th February 2015.
I would like to thank everyone who has participated so far, your help is greatly appreciated, and with your involvement their study has yielded some interesting results.
The estimated number of new cases in Ireland is 4-7/100,000 = 184 – 322 per year. There is evidence that the incidence is increasing worldwide and we are keen to see if Ireland is following this trend which will be important for planning for services for people with MS in the future.
To date (1st April 2015) we have identified 230 cases and the graphic above outlines the distribution by county of residence. There has also been an increase in the number of females diagnosed compared to males (3.1:1).
If you have been diagnosed since 1st March 2014 by your neurologist and would like to be involved you can contact the study team on the number or email below. Taking part is easy and can be as simple as a phone call or a once off assessment with the study team.
I would like to thank everyone who has participated so far, your help is greatly appreciated.