August 23, 2017 (Journal of Multiple Sclerosis)
This study focuses on defining the characteristics of central pain (CP) in multiple sclerosis. Surveys on pain were sent to 307 patients diagnosed with MS. Of the 220 responders, 92% reported pain during the progress of the disease. CP was found in nearly 58% of the patients.
CP pain is caused by a lesion or disease of the central nervous system. Lesions in the brain or spinal cord can also cause CP.
This study categorizes CP into three types:
1. Trigeminal neuralgia
2. Lhermitte’s sign
3. Central neuropathic extremity pain
Here are some of the characteristics of CP according to this study:
1. The prevalence of CP is not determined by age – it does not increase with age. However, the number of locations of CP increases with age.
2. The prevalence of CP is not associated with EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) score. However, the number of locations of CP inccrease with EDSS score.
3. The prevalence of CP is not correlated with the duration of the disease. The number of locations of CP also does not increase with the duration of the disease.
The conclusion is that as the number of locations of CP increases, the quality of the pain will increase.
Read the complete research article at the Journal of Multiple Sclerosis.