Comprehensive Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis in Europe and Armenia: Hidden Pandemics ?

6 Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system, known since the 18th century. MS is both the most common nontraumatic neurological disease and cause of early disablement in young adults. By latest estimations, it may affect approximately two million people worldwide, and over half million persons in Europe have MS. The social burden and costs associated with MS are very high because of its long duration, the early loss of productivity, the need for assistance in daily activities and the use of high-cost treatments and multidisciplinary health care. Despite the high incidence and prevalence of MS in European countries, the general standards of both evaluation and treatment are lacking. Moreover, improved diagnostic criteria reveal more profound and serious situation then it was acknowledged in recent decade. MS shows threatening growth rates in South and East European countries, including Armenia. This article is the first epidemiological study of MS in Armenia aiming to increase public and medical professionals’ awareness and appreciation of the problem in the country.