[Multiple sclerosis and intermittent self-catheterization]. / Sclérose en plaques et autosondage intermittent.

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract dysfunctions are frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These disorders impair quality of life and can cause urological complications. In cases of urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying, clean intermittent self-catheterization is the preferred option where possible. OBJECTIVE: To identify data concerning the use of intermittent self-catheterization by patients with MS. BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCE: A review was done using Medline/Pubmed with selection of articles in either English or French. The key words were: « multiple sclerosis and intermittent catheterization, self-catheterization, neuro-urology/urinary guidelines, continent stoma, continent vesicostomy¼. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were selected if they concerned either multiple sclerosis exclusively or with a majority of cases concerning MS. RESULTS: Intermittent self-catheterization is recommended and commonly used in patients with MS. Studies are rare in this specific population. Questions still remain about indications and practicalities in this disease. Indications must be individually evaluated according to symptoms and complications. The use of self-catheterization can improve symptomatology or quality of life, however, global urinary management is necessary. Urinary infection is the most frequently reported side effect. The teaching of self-catheterization should take into account physical and cognitive impairment. Due to the developing nature of the pathology, indications and the patients' ability to carry out self-catheterization should be regularly assessed. LIMITATIONS: The search was limited to a single bibliographic source and studies are rare. CONCLUSION: Further studies are necessary to increase knowledge of self-catheterization specificities in MS patients compared to other neurogenic patients.

[Interest of visual biofeedback training in rehabilitation of balance after stroke]. / Intérêt de la rééducation par biofeedback visuel sur plateforme de stabilométrie dans la prise en charge des troubles posturaux des hémiplégiques vasculaires.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the assessment of visual biofeedback in the management of balance disorders after stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomised trial, which compares visual biofeedback training and traditional balance training. Twenty-seven patients took part in this study: 13 in the first group and 14 in the second group. The rehabilitation program in the first group consists in an association of visual biofeedback and traditional training during 3 weeks. For the second group traditional training was used alone. Clinical, functional and forceplate assessments were performed before and after the program of rehabilitation. RESULTS: All the patients had a clinical and functional improvement. However, patients who have benefited from biofeedback training had a significant improvement of the forceplate parameters with closed eyes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Those results confirm the interest of rehabilitation in balance disorders after stroke. The use of biofeedback training incorporated into functional physiotherapy affords added benefits probably by a best integration of proprioceptive informations.