Beyond pain in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Although numerous studies had been performed to evaluate multiple sclerosis (MS) related pain, the exact cause of this syndrome is not clear. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and characteristics of pain in patients with MS, and to assess the associated clinical variables. We consecutively collected data for 101 patients (74 women and 27 men; mean age, 53.7 13.9 years; mean EDSS, 3.7 2.2; mean duration of disease (years), 13.6 9.7). Protocol variables were demographic (age, sex) and clinical (disease duration, disability, disease-modifying therapy, pain, sleep problems, fatigue, bladder/sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety) data. Syndrome of pain manifested in 60.4% of participants and was significantly related with age, disease duration, disability, bladder/sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety. Future research needs to dig into the mechanisms underlying the various MS-related pains to support mechanism-based approach to the treatment.