Spasticity in multiple sclerosis: Associations with impairments and overall quality of life

Abstract Objectives (1) To determine the association between spasticity and quality of life (QOL) in multiple sclerosis (MS). (2) To investigate the associations between spasticity and impairments of function and activity limitations. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting A convenience sample of people with MS routinely attending an appointment with their local MS service. Participants 701 patients with clinically definite MS. Main outcome measures Demographic details were obtained and patients completed a battery of measures including spasticity (Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale – 88), fatigue (Neurological Fatigue Index – MS), urinary dysfunction (Qualiveen-SF), pain (Neuropathic Pain Scale), mood disorder (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), disability (World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule) and QOL (Leeds Multiple Sclerosis QOL Scale). Results 85.7% of patients reported spasticity. Patients with higher levels of spasticity were more likely to be disabled, suffer from depression and anxiety, have higher levels of fatigue and report more pain and bladder problems ( p Conclusions There is a strong association between spasticity and fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain and bladder problems. The retention of a significant direct relationship with QOL in a multivariate model emphasises its influence upon the everyday lives of people with MS.