Lancet neurology
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Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been more intensively studied in multiple sclerosis (MS) than in any other neurological disorder. Traditional medical models of impairment and disability are an incomplete summary of disease burden. Quality of life can be thought of as the sum of all sources of satisfaction (including anticipated sources) minus all threats (including anticipated threats). ⋯ We review generic and specific HRQoL measures to help clinicians choose the most appropriate therapies. Subjective (self-report) HRQoL measures may serve to alert clinicians to areas that would otherwise be overlooked. Studies of new interventions should include an assessment of HRQoL not just impairment or disability alone.