summary: MS is a disease in which various symptoms can seriously affect the quality of life (QoL) of people affected. However, scales and measurements used in clinical practice are mostly focused on mobility and ambulatory issues. The authors of this article describe the different tools used so far to assess QoL and expose the tools' lack of sensitivity to detect many problems related to QoL. Finally they propose new definitions of functionality and efficacy and highlight the important need to assess people with MS in a more comprehensive way, looking important issues such as cognitive function, emotional status, visual acuity, fatigue and pain as well as physical disability.

authors: Foley JF, Brandes DW

source: Neurology. 2009 Jun 9;72(23 Suppl 5):S1-11

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category: Health Status Assessment and Quality of Life

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