QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

SUMMARY – Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system that typically strikes young adults. It is often associated with a wide range of functional deficits and progressive disability. Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include vision problems, spasticity, weakness, ataxia, bladder and bowel dysfunctions, fatigue, pain syndromes, tremors, ver-tigo, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. Multiple sclerosis has a major negative impact on patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional con-struct composed of functional, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Researches have reported that individuals with multiple sclerosis have lower QoL than non-diseased and diseased populations. The inclusion of HRQoL questionnaires in the patient follow-up is a relevant issue to optimize treatment, facilitate treatment decisions and improve adherence, as well as to reduce the inconveniences derived from medication such as side effects