title: Symptoms, prevalence and impact of multiple sclerosis in younger patients: a multinational survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a marked negative impact on patients' well-being and quality of life through a range of symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  This on-line survey was designed to determine younger MS patients' (≤35 years) assessment of their disease and the prevalence of MS symptoms in four European countries (Germany, Italy, Norway and Spain).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prior to diagnosis, 62% of 200 interviewed subjects were unaware of the likely impact of MS. Fatigue (61%) was the most common single symptom reported by these younger MS patients, followed by six other symptoms with a prevalence >50% (visual disturbances, impaired mobility, dizziness, pain, spasticity and sleep disorders); related impairments were also often reported. Eighty-six percent of respondents indicated that their ability to work or study was negatively affected (39% could no longer participate in these activities), and 85% were unable to maintain their previous level of social interactions (one third frequently or never attended social activities).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MS is a highly symptomatic disease, even in younger persons (aged ≤35 years) with a short disease history, and its management to improve activities associated with daily living and quality of life remains a challenge. There is an unmet need for more effective MS symptom treatment options.
authors.affiliation: GF Ingrassia Department, Neuroscience Section, First Neurology Clinic, Multiple Sclerosis Centre Sicilia Region, University Hospital Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Patti
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vila
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009664:Norway; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D013030:Spain; D055815:Young Adult