Multiple Sclerosis: Over the last 8 years we have built a comprehensive clinical service for MS across south east Wales, integrating academic research projects and working closely with NHS staff. This has allowed us to develop a large epidemiological resource for cross sectional and longitudinal studies of Multiple Sclerosis as well as developing a parallel biobank for DNA, serum and CSF samples. Our long term aim is to identify reliable clinical and biochemical markers of prognosis in order to direct therapeutic interventions in a disease which has a notoriously variable outcome. We have developed collaborations with Cambridge University and the IMSGC for studies into genetic susceptibility in MS and also have a programme of clinical trials.

Ataxia: we have recently completed a series of genetic and epidemiological studies into late onset ataxia in south Wales identifying and documenting prevalence, aetiology and providing an explanation for disease frequency of certain subsets within this population.