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
Highlights
Pain syndromes are one of the most common complaints in patients with multiple sclerosis
All 4 typical patterns of pain syndromes were registered in multiple sclerosis patients
Materials and Methods 120 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the MacDonald criteria 2017 with different types were examined in Lviv Regional Multiple Sclerosis
Summary
Pain syndromes are one of the most common complaints in patients with multiple sclerosis. The results of studies on the prevalence of pain syndromes in patients with MS vary, ranging from 29% to 92% [1, 2]. Meta-analysis data found that the prevalence of pain among patients with MS is about 63% [3, 4]. This prevalence of pain among MS patients is much higher than in the general population and indicates their relationship and important role in the structure of the disease. Many aspects of MS pain are still poorly understood. This is due to their high heterogeneity. In patients with MS, there are pain syndromes of different types and kinds, as well as their various combinations [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
