Multiple sclerosis and pain
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-31-2012
Abstract
Despite the common belief that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a painless disease, several studies contradict this. There are a significant number of MS patients who actually suffer from painful conditions such as central and peripheral neuropathy, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, painful tonic spasms, complex regional pain syndrome, glosso pharyngeal neuralgia, and transverse myelitis. In addition, MS relapses are usually painful with many patients complaining of paroxysmal dystonia and neuro pathic pain during these episodes. Additionally, treatments for MS such as use of beta-inter ferons may be associated with headache and pain at the injection site. The pathophysiology of pain in MS is poorly understood, but may be related to the development of demyelinating lesions involving certain neuro anatomic pathways such as the spino thalamic tract. Management of pain in MS patients is a therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Currently, various pharmacological agents such as antiepielptics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and even corticosteroids are used to suppress various painful conditions associated with MS. Non pharmacological procedures such as massage therapy have also been used in the treatment of MS patients. The authors present a review of recent findings in pathophysiology and management of pain in MS patients. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2012.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Neurological Research
First Page
829
Last Page
841
Recommended Citation
Nick, S., Robertsa, C., Billiodeaux, S., Davis, D., Zamanifekri, B., Sahraian, M., Alekseeva, N., Munjampalli, S., Roberts, J., & Minagar, A. (2012). Multiple sclerosis and pain. Neurological Research, 34 (9), 829-841. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743132812Y.0000000082