The prevalence of urinary symptoms in patients with chronic neurological disease

In order to study the prevalence of urinary symptoms in chronic neurological disease, 510 patients aged between 15 and 59 were identified in four London Health Districts. The prevalence of chronic neurological disease was 0.73 per 1000 in males and 1.01 per 1000 in females. Ninety-seven (83 per cent) of the 117 men and 161 (86 per cent) of the 188 women had had urinary symptoms in the preceding six months. Urinary incontinence was the commonest urinary symptom and was reported by 54 per cent. Those with urinary symptoms were more likely to have impaired mobility than those without urinary symptoms. Considerable help was being received from family and friends as well as from statutory services.