Bowel symptoms due to multiple sclerosis

The most common bowel problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is constipation. Patients can also have faecal urgency and incontinence. Constipation is managed as for all patients (see functional constipation). Causes of constipation that can be overlooked in patients with MS include:

• drugs taken to control bladder symptoms or spasticity
• fluid intake reduction to manage bladder symptoms.