Multiple sclerosis spasticity daily management: retrospective data from Europe.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a distressing and debilitating disease, which often leads to a state of progressive deterioration for the individual. Spasticity is a common and disabling neurological feature with increasing presence and severity throughout the progression of MS. Management of this spasticity is a key component of day-to-day care for patients with MS. Data from recent epidemiological studies in Spain (the '6E' and '5E' studies) and Germany (the 'MOVE 1' study) confirm the frequent occurrence of spasticity symptoms in patients with MS. Despite the difficulties experienced by MS patients with spasticity, the condition is largely undertreated because current treatment options do not provide adequate control of MS spasticity. With worsening MS spasticity there is an increase in individual patient symptoms, worsening of quality of life and impairment of daily living. From a healthcare/societal perspective, MS spasticity has been shown to be associated with substantial costs. Many of these costs relate to the increased disability (and consequent need for rehabilitation and caregiver support) that are associated with moderate-to-severe spasticity. Consequently, newer drugs that can provide better symptomatic relief and may slow progression to more severe forms of disability will be a step forward in the level of care that we can provide for MS patients.