[Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Spain].

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system and the most common non-traumatic disabling neurological disease in young adults. In the latest decades, multiple sclerosis is increasing worldwide, especially in women. The latitudinal distribution has been progressively attenuated.

Aim: To review the epidemiological studies of multiple sclerosis in Spain to verify if this worldwide trend also occurs in Spain.

Development: We searched PubMed and Teseo databases using the search terms «epidemiology», «prevalence», «incidence», «multiple sclerosis» and «Spain». We selected articles published in Spanish and English between 1968 and 2018.

Conclusions: Recent epidemiological studies confirm that Spain is a medium-high risk area for MS. The prevalence of MS has increased significantly throughout Spain in the latest years, especially in women, and recent studies show prevalence as high as 80-180 cases per 100,000.