Ireland Ranked Last in Europe for Number of Neurologists

The Atlas of MS is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken exploring international data on a range of areas associated with Multiple Sclerosis, including prevalence, diagnosis, services and resources and quality of life implications. In the category ‘Number of Neurologists per 100,000 of the population’ Ireland ranks 40th out of 40th in Europe and 68th out of 100 in the world.



Multiple Sclerosis Ireland has long campaigned for mass investment in Irish neurology services and again calls on the government to publish and implement the Review of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Services in Ireland. The review was completed nearly a year ago by the HSE and a number of key interest groups and professionals in the area of neurology. The data from the "Atlas of MS" is further evidence of the crucial need to implement the recommendations and drastically improve Irish neurology services.



Allen O’Connor, Chairman of MS Ireland and person with MS says of the Atlas,

“For the first time ever we have international data on a whole range of areas relating to MS including prevalence, diagnosis, neurology services, support structures and quality of life implications. However, when we compare and contrast the data we can see there are some major deficiencies in Ireland’s provision of neurology services. This is a sad reflection on our existing services which are excellent and led by dedicated neurologists, MS nurses and health professionals. Our problem is we don’t have enough services, facilities or people to meet needs of the MS community.”



The Atlas of MS is an interactive database, which allows the user to compare and contrast international data relating to Multiple Sclerosis. The project has been developed over the last two years and covers approximately 87% of the world’s population. Findings from the Atlas of MS include:

•    No country that responded to the survey was free of MS



•    Globally, at any point in time, around 30 people in 100,000 have been diagnosed with MS

•    An estimated 1.3million people worldwide have MS. As many countries do not have comprehensive data, the actual figure is believed to be greater

•    The average age of onset in Europe is 30 years of age, when most people are starting families and careers

•    At least twice as many women as men has MS



Dr Benedetto Saraceno, Director of the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence, commented on the Atlas of MS,

“Although some people with MS experience little disability during their lifetime, up to 60% are no longer fully ambulatory 20 years after onset, with major implications for their quality of life and the financial cost to society”

To Access the Atlas of MS, log onto www.atlasofms.org