[Importance and treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis : results of the MOVE 1 study].
BACKGROUND
The impact of spasticity induced by multiple sclerosis (MS) on patients and the applied treatment options have so far been insufficiently studied.


METHODS
This was a multicentre, retrospective, nationwide study of the care situation of MS spasticity in Germany from the perspective of both patients and physicians.


RESULTS
In this study 414 patients (mean age 48.6 years, 64.3 % women) from 42 centres were analyzed: 27 % suffered from mild, 44 % from moderate and 29 % from severe spasticity. The most common comorbidities were depression and anxiety (25.6 %) and 94.9 % suffered from concomitant symptoms (e.g. fatigue and bladder disorders). The severity of spasticity and its consequences were assessed by both patients and physicians and 54.8 % of physicians were dissatisfied with available treatment options. The most frequently cited disadvantages of currently available antispastic treatment were adverse effects (95.2 %) und insufficient effectiveness (88.1 %) and one third of patients sought help by self-medication.


CONCLUSIONS
This initial assessment of MS-induced spasticity in Germany showed that patients experienced severe impairment due to spasticity. Available treatment options were assessed as dissatisfying.
PASSAUER WOLF Reha-Zentrum Nittenau, Rehabilitationszentrum für Neurologie-Geriatrie-Urologie, Eichendorffstr.21, 93149, Nittenau, Deutschland. t.henze@rz-ni.de
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Flachenecker
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Zettl
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015897:Comorbidity; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012651:Self Medication
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central