Chronic pain in multiple sclerosis: A 10-year longitudinal study

Conclusions The pain measures reported by the participants were similar to those at the 7-year follow-up except there was a greater representation of bilateral pain locations (limb, trunk and facial pain) compared to baseline and 7-year follow-up. At 10-year follow-up, more participants used medications compared to 7-year follow-up and there was an increase in the use of health professionals at the 10-year follow-up. At the 10-year follow up QoL of the participants deteriorated significantly and more participants had progressed to higher CPG III and CPG IV. This study demonstrates that chronic pain is a significant issue over time in MS, with clinical and health implications, impact on quality of life, disability and healthcare utilization. Implications Greater awareness of chronic pain in pwMS, cognitive classifications and an interdisciplinary approach is required to improve long-term patient outcomes and well-being.
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research