Pain syndrome patterns and their characteristics in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Aim of the research is to analyze the patterns of pain syndromes and their characteristics in multiple sclerosis patients. Materials and Methods. A total of 104 multiple sclerosis patients complaining of pain during the last month were examined in Lviv Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center. We analyzed medical records, performed general medical and neurological examinations and compiled history of lifestyle, illness and pain. The VAS and PainDetect questionnaires were used to assess the characteristics of pain syndromes. The patients were asked to choose one of the 4 typical patterns of pain, which best described their feelings. Then the analysis of pain syndrome patterns and their characteristics was carried out. Results and Discussions. All 4 typical patterns of pain syndromes were registered in multiple sclerosis patients. However, only 26.92% of the participants experienced an intermittent pain pattern. The rest of patients suffered from patterns characterized by persistent pain. The evaluation of the patterns and their characteristics revealed typical features. The highest intensity of the severest and average pain during the last month was present in the patients suffering from constant pain with distinct attacks: 8.0 [7.0; 9.0] points (p<0.05) and 7.0 [5.0; 8.0] points (p<0.05), respectively. Persistent paroxysmal pain was more common in the multiple sclerosis patients with neuropathic pain (43.8±8.8% vs 20.4±5.8%, p<0.05). Irradiating pain is also characteristic to this pattern in 52.9±8.6% of patients (p<0.05). The head is the most common pain localization in the patients experiencing persistent pain with severe attacks - 82.4±9.2% of cases (p<0.05). Conclusions. Pain is a permanent symptom in a significant number of multiple sclerosis patients. It can have different patterns of progression. However, it has typical characteristics and their understanding will aid in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pain syndromes in multiple sclerosis patients

Keywords

• multiple sclerosis, pain, pain syndromes, pain patterns, pain intensity, neuropathic pain