Experiences of Word-Finding Difficulties in Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Interview Study

Background: The ability to communicate may be impaired in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), as both speech and language may be affected. Although word-finding difficulty is a common impairment, little is known about how this affects everyday life for people with MS. Methods: In this qualitative study, word-finding difficulty was explored via interviews with 18 individuals with MS. The results were reviewed via qualitative content analysis. Results: In the analysis, 3 overarching themes emerged: (1) word-finding difficulty affects everyday life; (2) word-finding difficulties may be handled in various ways; and (3) there are certain factors that can facilitate or hinder word-finding. The participants described different degrees of difficulty with word-finding and how words may be substituted in an unpredictable way. This often affected their ability to participate in everyday communication. Despite using various strategies, for example, using other words and involving the conversation partner in the word search, many described themselves as being changed as communicators. Factors that facilitated or hindered word-finding included contextual factors, such as stressful situations and sensory processing load, and the impact of fatigue, emotions, and conversational partners’ behaviors. Conclusions: Even minor word-finding difficulty may impact an individual’s ability to participate in everyday communication. Knowing what may help or hinder communication is important for both people with MS and their communication partners.