The Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis National Competence Centre and National Multiple Sclerosis registry -- a resource for clinical practice and research.

The Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis National Competence Centre was established at the Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen in 1996. Promotion of research, supervision and education of doctors and other health care professionals in Norway are the main responsibilities of the Centre. The centre has established national networks for MS care and research and has provided supervision and education of doctors and other health care professionals in Norway. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of MS have been established. The National Multiple Sclerosis Registry was established in 1998 and includes by January 2006 50-60% of all MS patients in Norway. Through a national collaboration, the registry aims for inclusion of a biobank unit for collection of cerebrospinal fluid and serum, DNA, and tissue samples.