Precise measurement of neurological and neuropsychological impairment and disability in multiple sclerosis is challenging. We report a new test, the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT), which represents a new approach to quantifying MS related disability. The MSPT takes advantage of advances in computer technology, information technology, biomechanics, and clinical measurement science. The resulting MSPT represents a computer-based platform for precise, valid measurement of MS severity. Based on, but extending the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), the MSPT provides precise, quantitative data on walking speed, balance, manual dexterity, visual function, and cognitive processing speed. The MSPT was tested by 51 MS patients and 49 healthy controls (HC). MSPT scores were highly reproducible, correlated strongly with technician-administered test scores, discriminated MS from HC and severe from mild MS, and correlated with patient reported outcomes. Measures of reliability, sensitivity, and clinical meaning for MSPT scores were favorable compared with technician-based testing. The MSPT is a potentially transformative approach for collecting MS disability outcome data for patient care and research. Because the testing is computer-based, test performance can be analyzed in traditional or novel ways and data can be directly entered into research or clinical databases. The MSPT could be widely disseminated to clinicians in practice settings who are not connected to clinical trial performance sites or who are practicing in rural settings, drastically improving access to clinical trials for clinicians and patients. The MSPT could be adapted to out of clinic settings, like the patient's home, thereby providing more meaningful real world data. The MSPT represents a new paradigm for neuroperformance testing. This method could have the same transformative effect on clinical care and research in MS as standardized computer-adapted testing has had in the education field, with clear potential to accelerate progress in clinical care and research.
These results in a convenience sample of MS patients demonstrate the feasibility and safety of RAS when used at home and suggest a potential benefit on gait parameters.
Clinical signs and symptoms of spasticity include hypertonia, involuntary movements (spasms, clonus), decreased range of motion, contractures, and often spasm-related pain. When spasticity is refractory to medical management, patients may be referred for intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump placement. We reviewed a cohort of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with intractable spasticity requiring ITB to further define the impact of ITB on pain relief in this patient population. From 2003 to 2005, eight patients (mean age 43.8 years; 5 men, 3 women) with ALS received ITB for pain associated with intractable spasticity at our institution. Mean disease duration preoperatively was 47.4 months, mean follow-up was 9.8 months, and pain was evaluated using a 0-10 scoring system. All patients experienced spasticity relief in response to a preoperative bolus test injection of ITB (25-50 microg) via lumbar puncture. Following ITB pump placement, the average reduction of pain was 54% (P = 0.0082). Six patients (75%) experienced pain score reduction, three of whom had complete pain relief. Postoperative pain reduction was predicted by the degree of pain reduction following preoperative ITB test injection. These results support ITB as a treatment modality for pain associated with spasticity in ALS.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to what degree these women are bothered by their SUI, since there is a paucity of literature regarding the nature of SUI in this unique population of women. Methods We conducted a prospective Institutional Review Board approved study. Women scheduled for outpatient follow-up appointments at a dedicated MS center were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding urinary incontinence. Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and SUI were defined as an answer of slightly, moderately or greatly to the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) question #2 and question #3, respectively. Impact of SUI on physical activity was determined by Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) question #2. Results A total of 55.9% (80/143) women had SUI, 70.6% (101/143) women had UUI, and 44.8% (64/143) women had mixed urinary incontinence. The mean age was 45.8 years old (range, 20 to 72 years). Women with SUI were significantly older (mean, 47.2 vs. 41.9; P=0.023) and there was a trend towards a greater body mass index (mean, 29.3 vs. 26.5; P=0.057). Women with SUI had significantly higher IIQ-7 scores compared to women without SUI (P<0.001). Impact of urinary incontinence on physical activity was also found to be significantly greater in women with SUI (mean IIQ-7 question #2, 0.96 vs. 0.35; P<0.001). Conclusions The prevalence of SUI in women with MS is 55.9% and the presence of SUI has a significant impact on their quality of life. A comprehensive urologic evaluation of a woman with MS should include assessment of SUI.
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