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Sensory Function and Chronic Pain in Multiple Sclerosis
Rogier J Scherder1, Neeltje Kant2, Evelien T Wolf1
1Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Pain Research & Management
|June 1, 2018
Summary
Hypoesthesia, or reduced sensation, is linked to chronic pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study found a connection between decreased touch and joint position sense and pain intensity in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
Background:
- Chronic pain is a common and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The relationship between sensory deficits and pain in MS requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hypoesthesia (reduced sensation) and chronic pain in patients diagnosed with MS.
- To explore potential sensory pathway involvement in MS-related pain.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-seven MS patients with pain and 80 controls were assessed.
- Sensory functions including touch, joint position sense, temperature, and pain were evaluated.
- Pain intensity and affect were measured using validated scales (CAS, FPS, NWC-A); mood was assessed using SCL-90 and BDI.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was observed between pain intensity and the functional integrity of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway.
- No significant relationship was found between pain intensity and the spinothalamic tract function.
Conclusions:
- Hypoesthesia affecting touch and joint position sense is associated with chronic pain in MS patients.
- These findings suggest that sensory pathway dysfunction, particularly involving the dorsal column-medial lemniscus, may contribute to pain in MS, beyond previously known hyperesthesia-pain links.
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