Unique features of central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis: Results of a cluster analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Central neuropathic pain (CNP) is an excruciating condition, prevalent in up to a third of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Identifying CNP among MS patients is particularly challenging considering the ample comorbid chronic pain conditions and sensory disturbances entailed by the disease. The aim was to identify sensory features unique to CNP beyond those of chronic pain and MS.

Methods

Participants were 112 MS patients: 44 with a diagnosis of CNP, 28 with a diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSP), and 40 pain free. Participants underwent testing of thermal and mechanical thresholds, thermal grill illusion (TGI), pain adaptation (PA), and offset analgesia (OA), and chronic pain was characterized. A two-step cluster analysis was performed, and the as

SUBMITTER: Rivel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9313873 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature