[Pain in multiple sclerosis. Clinical aspects and therapy]

Although pain is not considered a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis, more than 50% of patients with MS present with pain syndromes. In the setting of an incurable disease, symptom control and particularly pain control is very important in achieving a better quality of life. For paroxysmal pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia or painful tonic seizures, carbamazepine and other anticonvulsive drugs are the cornerstone of treatment. On the other hand, drugs are not always effective in treating the various chronic pain syndromes such as dysesthetic extremity pain or leg spasms. In these conditions, individualized regular physiotherapy may relieve pain.