Pain syndromes in HIV infection

Pain causes considerable disability and discomfort in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infected individuals. A large number of patients infected with HIV suffer from one or more pain-related syndromes. Pain is under-reported and suboptimally managed in these patients. An outline of the different pain syndromes, including headache, oral cavity pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, anorectal pain, musculoskeletal pain and peripheral neuropathic pain, and their aetiologies are discussed. Current pain management modalities, including non-narcotic and narcotic analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, physical therapy and psychological techniques, are outlined. Treatment should be based on the same principles applied to the management of cancer-related pain. A multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach to pain management will assist these individuals to achieve improved levels of comfort, function and quality of life in this ultimately terminal illness.