Ireland has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. Only one third of those diagnosed with MS receive disease-modifying treatment. The ratio of neurologists to patients is extremely low, so their time is limited. A model of nurse-led services may provide a solution.
However, symptomatic treatment and access to new medications in Ireland ranks high compared to other countries. They also have good scores in MS research. But access to neuro-rehabilitation is limited and people travel long distances to reach specialized centers.
One third of people with MS work full time and a quarter work part-time. The government provides modest financial support for people with disabilities.
