Neurogenic Bladder and Quality of Life in Patients With Stroke

Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to evaluate the quality of life of the patients. The form consists of 36 items, which measure 8 dimensions. These include (1) Physical function, (2) Social function, (3) Pain, (4) Energy/vitality, (5) Role limitation due to emotional problems , (6) Role limitation due to physical health problems, (7) Mental health and (8) General perception of health. Each subscale is evaluated between 0-100 points. A higher score indicates the better health.

Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess depressive signs. The scale consists of 21 items and the items are ordered from mild to severe. Evaluation is performed in a range of 0-63 points. The lower score indicates the better psychological profile.

Mini Mental Test (MMT) was used to evaluate the extent of cognitive impairment. MMT is divided into 5 main categories: orientation (10 points), memory (3 points), attention and calculation (5 points), recalling (3 points) and language (9 points). Total points is 30. Total score between 0-9 points is considered as severe cognitive impairment. Total score between 10-19 points is considered as moderate cognitive impairment. Total score between 20-23 points is considered as mild cognitive impairment. Total score between 24-30 points is considered as normal.

Brunnstrom scale is used to evaluate separately upper extremity, lower extremity or hand functions. Six stages are defined. Stage 1: No active movement, Stage 2: Mild spasticity, weak flexor-extensor synergy patterns, Stage 3: Marked spasticity, synergy patterns are evident, Stage 4: Some isolated movements other than synergy patterns can be seen, Stage 5: Decreased spasticity, most muscle activities are isolated, Stage 6: Phasic and well-coordinated isolated movements are performed. A higher point indicates the better status.

Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) was used to evaluate the functional status. FAC assesses human support for ambulation rather than assistive devices. FAC 0: nonfunctional ambulation, FAC 1: Ambulator- dependent for physical assistance level II FAC 2: Ambulator- dependent for physical assistance level I, FAC 3: Ambulator-dependent for supervision FAC 4: Ambulator-independent level surfaces only FAC 5: Ambulator-independent. A higher score indicates the better status.

Barthel Index (BI) evaluates functional independence in term of daily living activity. Total score is 100 points. A higher point indicates better functional status.