Validation of a German version of the NMSS (Non-Motor Symptom assessment Scale)

In addition to motor symptoms, a variety of non-motor symptoms can occur in Parkinson's disease. Non-motor symptoms are often overlooked and are not sufficiently captured by routine assessments. Internationally, the Non-Motor Symptom assessment scale (NMSS) has been widely accepted. In the NMSS 30 questions, covering 9 different non-motor domains, are used to evaluate the intensity of non-motor symptoms. In this study a validated German version of the NMSS is presented.

Methods: According to international standards, the original version was translated independently by two bilingual neurologists. Both versions were then compared, and authors and a moderator agreed on a single version. This preliminary version then underwent practical testing over two weeks in two specialized clinics and feedback from testers was used for modifications. The scale was then back-translated to English by two further bilingual neurologists and both translators again agreed on a single version. The results of back-translation were used to eliminate flaws of the preliminary German version.

Results: The German version of the NMSS is now validated.

Conclusion: The present German Version of the NMSS corresponds to international standards for validated translations of scales. This version should used from now on when applying the NMSS to native German speaking patients

Literature: Chaudhuri KR, et al. Mov Disord. 2007;22:1901–11.