These results suggest that use of FES can significantly improve gait speed, decrease the impact of MS on walking ability, and improve QOL in people with MS-related footdrop even over a short period of time.

One hundred patients were enrolled in a multicenter double-blind study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Pain Suppressor Unit, a cranial electrotherapy stimulator for the symptomatic treatment of tension headaches. Treatment consisted of extremely low level, high frequency current applied transcranially. Pain scores before and after 20 minute treatments of individual headaches as well as patient and physician global evaluations were the primary efficacy variables. Following use of the active unit, patients reported an average reduction in pain intensity of approximately 35%. Placebo patients reported a reduction of approximately 18%. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The active unit was rated as moderately or highly effective in 40% by physicians, and in 36% by patients. Both physicians and patients scored the placebo unit moderately or highly effective for only 16%. The difference in ordered outcomes was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Approximately 10% of patients in each group reported at least one minor adverse experience. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is distinct from TENS, and is safe and often effective in ameliorating the pain intensity of tension headaches. It should be considered as an alternative to the chronic usage of analgesics.

We set out to evaluate the diagnostic yield of a haematuria clinic that utilised CT Urography (CTU) as the primary imaging modality in order to provide some guidance on imaging in this setting. Patients and methods: Records of 1000 consecutive patients attending a haematuria clinic over a 2-year period were analysed. Patients aged over 40 years with either visible (VH) or non-visible haematuria (NVH) underwent CTU & cystoscopy unless contraindicated. Results: 560 males and 440 females (median age 62 years; range 17-98) were assessed. 130 malignancies related to the urinary tract were identified from the clinic; 17% for men and 8% for women. There were no upper tract urothelial tumours in patients under the age of 50 years, yet 4 were identified in patients over 50 years who presented with NVH. 28 patients who were found to have a positive MSU were diagnosed with an underlying malignancy, all over the age of 50 and 22 of these with VH. Conclusion:Our results aid in the development of an evidence-based protocol for the use of CTU in haematuria assessment. We also suggest full investigation of patients presenting with VH over the age of 50 and a positive MSU.

Objectives: We set out to determine the prevalence of unsuspected findings from CT urography (CTU) performed for haematuria and to evaluate the economic implications associated with the subsequent management of these findings. Methods: We analysed the results of 778 consecutive CTU scans performed in a haematuria clinic between 2008 and 2010. We excluded cases where diagnosis of an abnormality had been made prior to CTU. Costs incurred during the follow-up of unsuspected findings were calculated following guidance set out in the NHS Costing Manual 2009/10. Results: 778 CTU scans were performed for patients attending a haematuria clinic from 2008 to 2010. 455 men and 323 women underwent CTU scan; they had a median age of 62 years. 56% of scans were found to have unexpected extra-urinary findings (587 abnormalities in 439 scans). Common findings included diverticular disease (138, 17.7%), adrenal masses [85, 10.9%; 40 (5.1%) of which were indeterminate], lung abnormalities (67, 8.6%), gall bladders containing calculi (44, 5.7%), adnexal cysts (25, 7.7% of women) and aortic aneurysms (18, 2.3%). These findings led to a total of 136 outpatient appointments, 88 radiological investigations and 11 procedures (4 of which were major). The overall cost incurred was £47 366, or £60 per patient. Conclusion: CTU is associated with a high rate of unsuspected findings. There is an economic implication to performing CT scanning in this setting, in which further unanticipated investigation and treatment cost is approximately £60 per patient.

Introduction: To investigate the accuracy of uroflowmetry with disposable Q_Single compared to measurements with a home-based digital device and compared to a single clinical measurement. Patients and Methods: 60 men with lower urinary tract symptoms were included in a prospective, open-label, multicenter study. Uroflowmetry measurements were done using three devices/methods: single clinic-based method, followed by up to 12 measurements using the disposable home-based Q_Single and up to 12 measurements using a home-based digital device. Subjective data on ease of use of Q_Single and preference of patients was investigated and objective measures of Q_max and voided volume from the three devices were compared. Results: Mean Q_max values of 12, 13 and 16 ml/s were achieved with the Q_Single device, standard clinic method, and digital device, respectively. Mean Q_max obtained with the Q_Single device did not differ from that obtained with the clinic method. A significantly higher mean Q_max was recorded for the digital device. Mean voided volumes recorded with each device differed marginally. Handling capabilities of the Q_Single device were considered good by all subjects. Conclusions: The accuracy of Q_max and voided volume mean measurements with Q_Single was comparable to one standard clinic recording. Q_Single offers a viable alternative to reduce the number of clinic visits and can be used by other caregivers.