[Pain and early stage of multiple sclerosis]

Since the last decade, many clinical and epidemiologic studies have shown the frequency of pain among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its impact on everyday life, perceived health, social interactions and employment. Quite all of these studies have included patients with long duration of MS. However the clinical experience often confronts neurologists with the painful handicap of patients with recently diagnosed MS. The objective of this review was to review the literature while emphasizing data which could lead to a better knowledge of the frequency, the type and the impact of pain at the early stage of MS.