Management of Urinary Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Besides the motor and sensory dysfunction that characterizes multiple sclerosis, during the disease evolution and with the accumulation of new demyelinating lesions in specific areas of the central nervous system, autonomic dysfunction be-comes more prevalent among patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Although not usually addressed, the complex spectrum of autonomic dysfunction manifestations has the potential of a negative impact on the daily activities of multiple sclerosis patients, needing specific investigations and therapeutic measures destined to alleviate symptoms and increase the quality of life. Since urinary dysfunction is evident from the early stages of multiple sclerosis on urodynamic studies even in patients without urinary complaints, it is indicated to thoroughly screen for urinary tract dysfunction as well as other autonomic dysfunctions in all the multiple sclerosis patients.