Quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis

Acta Clin Croat. 2013 Mar;52(1):107-11.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system that typically strikes young adults. It is often associated with a wide range of functional deficits and progressive disability. Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include vision problems, spasticity, weakness, ataxia, bladder and bowel dysfunctions, fatigue, pain syndromes, tremors, vertigo, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. Multiple sclerosis has a major negative impact on patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional construct composed of functional, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Researches have reported that individuals with multiple sclerosis have lower QoL than non-diseased and diseased populations. The inclusion of HRQoL questionnaires in the patient follow-up is a relevant issue to optimize treatment, facilitate treatment decisions and improve adherence, as well as to reduce the inconveniences derived from medication such as side effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia / etiology
  • Chronic Pain / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Depression / etiology
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / etiology
  • Mood Disorders / etiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / psychology
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tremor / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / etiology
  • Vertigo / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / etiology