Opinion

Video

Bladder Management and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis Management

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Riley Bove, MD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, talk about the importance of monitoring bladder dysfunction symptoms in MS care.

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD; Riley Bove, MD; Stephen Krieger, MD; and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD.

In this discussion, the speaker emphasizes the focus on visible signs of progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), such as ambulation, while overlooking invisible symptoms like bladder dysfunction. This neglect is concerning as these symptoms significantly impact patients' lives. The conversation underscored the importance of considering these "unseen but felt" symptoms, including bladder issues, in treatment decisions.

Bladder problems are pervasive in MS but often underrecognized and undertreated until advanced stages, highlighting a gap in care. The discussion advocated for a shift towards incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical practice to better track these silent symptoms. It stressed the significance of recognizing the impact of symptoms like cognition, spasticity, and bladder dysfunction on patients' daily lives.

The speaker emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to actively solicit information about these symptoms during consultations, avoiding generic questions that may not elicit relevant responses. Additionally, it was suggested that even patients with a normal Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score may have hidden deficits that impact their quality of life, necessitating more thorough assessments.

To address these issues, healthcare providers were encouraged to refer patients for specialized evaluations when needed, such as bladder dysfunction assessments for those with an EDSS of zero. This approach aims to ensure that patients' reported symptoms lead to comprehensive investigations and appropriate interventions, ultimately improving their overall care and quality of life.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.

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