[Economic repercussions of multiple sclerosis]

Following a definition and critical examination of the various concepts utilized in health economy, the authors have made an analysis, based on a review of the literature available on this subject, of the economic repercussions of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the different individuals and organizations involved (social services, the patient, the patient's family). They have also reported the preliminary results of a French study carried out on a sample population of 157 MS patients undergoing treatment at four different neurological departments in the Nord--Pas de Calais region.