Pain associated with multiple sclerosis:epidemiology, classification and management
Ghaaliq Lalkhen A., Paul Bedford J., Devina Dwyer A.
Pain is a common and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Current understanding of pain is that it is a complex phenomenon involving cognitive, emotional and behavioural dimensions. A biopsychosocial framework is therefore best used to manage pain, particularly in the context of a chronic disease such as MS that has a significant impact on health-related quality of life. This article describes the epidemiology of MS pain and its common types, particularly neuropathic pain, as well as the evidence for MS pain management strategies. It also outlines a pragmatic approach to the pharmacological management of neuropathic pain and highlights the role of specialist pain services in the management of MS pain.