Mechanisms and current treatments of urogenital dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction at some stage of the disease. This has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients as well as causing concern to caregivers and family. Neurologists can now treat most of these symptoms by a number of pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. This review presents the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and pathophysiology of the urinary bladder and sexual organs, and the biological mechanisms underlying urogenital dysfunction in MS patients. Current treatment options for urinary and sexual dysfunction are reviewed. As most urogenital symptoms of MS can now be treated by conservative means, expert urological or gynaecological consultation should be requested only if more aggressive diagnostic or therapeutic measures are needed.

Quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis and urinary disorders: Reliability and validity of Turkish-language version of Incontinence Quality of Life Scale

“…Therefore, we concluded that the I-QOL is a validated scale for patients with MS. Inclusion of a relatively homogenous group (the majority of patients had a low EDSS score [0][1][2][3][4] and all patients in the study group consisted of patients with MS) and the large number of patients with MS may be considered strengths of our study. However, the generalizability of these results may be limited and may not reflect a naturalistic setting.…”

“…The International Scientific Committee has recommended investigating the quality of life (QOL) for incontinence sufferers [1]. Incontinence is also one of the most frequently encountered problems in multiple sclerosis (MS) and has a negative effect on the daily lives of patients [2]. Therefore, it is important to investigate this complaint and start appropriate treatment early.…”

A urological challenge: Voiding dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

“…3,4 It is uncommon that a urinary tract symptom would be the presenting complaint that leads to a diagnosis of MS (fewer than 10%), but it does happen.…”

Botulinumtoxin in der Urologie

“…und 7.10. veranschaulicht: (Fernandez, 2002;Nortvedt et al, 2001). Die Blasenfunktionsstörungen bei MS sind mit weniger als 1% selten mit schwerwiegenden Folgen für den oberen Harntrakt assoziiert (Koldewijn et al, 1995;Litwiller et al, 1999;Sirls et al, 1994).…”