Pain in multiple sclerosis: an overview of its nature and management

Pain is experienced by approximately two-thirds of all people with multiple sclerosis (MS) at some time during the course of their disease. Pain in MS occurs as a consequence of both the disease and the disability that it produces. Pain in MS is receiving more attention as clinical trials in the past decade have focused not solely on the immune system modulators of disease but also on symptomatic management as well. Nurses with their keen communication and assessment skills and their unique advocacy role are particularly equipped to effect pain management for people with multiple sclerosis.