title: Multiple sclerosis in the Arabian Gulf countries: a consensus statement.
abstract: The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is rapidly changing in many parts of the world. Based on the Kurtzke classification, the Arabian Gulf Region is located in a low-risk zone for MS; however, recent studies suggest a moderate-to-high prevalence nearby (31-55 MS per 10,0000 individuals), with an increase in incidence in recent years. The relapsing-remitting disease course ratio is 2.5:1 versus the primary progressive type. In a geographic area that was previously associated with low prevalence; the recent high prevalence and fast rising incidence of MS in the gulf countries, encouraged the neurologists of this region to meet in a consensus panel, in order to share our latest findings in terms of MS epidemiology and consent on MS management in the Arabian Gulf. Therefore 20 key opinion leader neurologists and MS experts representing various countries of the Arabian Gulf have met in Dubai on the 2 and 3 February 2012, they shared their latest epidemiological findings, discussed recent MS aspects in the region, and consented on MS management relevantly to this geographic area.
authors.affiliation: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, boholega@kfshrc.edu.sa.
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bohlega
authors.forename: Jihad
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Inshasi
authors.forename: Abdel Rahman
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Al Tahan
authors.forename: Abu Bakr
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Madani
authors.forename: Hussien
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Qahtani
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rieckmann
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008877:Middle East / Q000453:epidemiology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*