title: Expressive communication disorders in persons with multiple sclerosis: a survey.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to survey individuals with multiple sclerosis to determine (1) the presence and severity of their expressive communication disorders, (2) the extent expressive communication problems interfere with employment, and (3) the frequency of using communication augmentation equipment. An eight-page questionnaire was distributed to 656 persons diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis, who returned completed questionnaires. Twenty-three percent of the total sample reported the presence of "speech or other communication problems." Four percent of the total sample indicated that strangers were unable to understand them. Of this group 28.8% reported that they used communication augmentation equipment.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014910:Wheelchairs