Conservative bladder management in advanced multiple sclerosis.

Anticholinergics and intermittent catheterization are the cornerstones of bladder management in early multiple sclerosis (MS). In advanced MS however, bladder management is based more on tradition than on evidence. Nurses seem to deal with catheter problems and chronic incontinence.

[The medical treatment of overactive bladder].

Overactive bladder, very frequent in neurological disorders, leads to very distressing symptoms such as urgency, frequency and incontinence which may dramatically impair the patient's quality of life. The medical approach is essentially pharmacological but the management of the nociceptive factors must not be neglected. In the mild urinary dysfunctions, bladder training can be advised.

[Quality of life and multiple sclerosis: validation of the french version of the self-questionnaire (SEP-59)].

We conducted a prospective study among 166 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (103 from an university hospital, 63 from a MS rehabilitation center) to assess the properties of the French version of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality Of Life - 54 items (MS QOL-54) which combines the MOS SF36 together with MS specific items. The SF-36 had been translated into French through the IQOLA project. We translated and adapted the MS specific items with the help of three different teams.

A questionnaire assessment of unmet needs for rehabilitation services and resources for people with multiple sclerosis: results of a pilot survey in five European countries. Needs Task group of MARCH (Multiple Sclerosis and Rehabilitation, Care and Health Services Research in Europe).

Objective: To develop an international services and needs assessment instrument (SUN) for people with multiple sclerosis and their carers and to pilot this in different countries of the European Community.

Design: Interview study of people with multiple sclerosis, their carers and nominated key professionals examining the unmet needs of patients and carers.

Setting: Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom.

[Social and economic impact of multiple sclerosis].

The evolution of multiple sclerosis is unforeseeable; it can induce disability and fatigue; thus, it has a socio-economical impact. Married and family life, relationships and work are the most affected areas. Financial problems can also occur.