Bladder dysfunction: a remedial social problem.

Urinary bladder dysfunction is a leading disability of persons with multiple sclerosis. The study reported here demonstrates that the critical management of this neurologic deficit can improve the patient's quality of life in terms of personal, social, and occupational activities. The urodynamic studies of urinary flow rate, voiding cystourethrography, and positional cystometrography were used to establish the type of neurogenic bladder (areflexic, uninhibited, or mixed). Management regimens were individualized using a combination of anticholinergic or cholinergic drugs, intermittent self-catheterization, and managed fluid intake and voiding.