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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
04:59
Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
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Chronic pruritus in multiple sclerosis and clinical correlates
Giuseppe Ingrasci1, Leticia Tornes2, Andrew Brown2
1Miami Itch Center, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Summary
Pruritus, or itch, affects 35% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, often presenting as neuropathic and linked to MS symptoms and brainstem lesions. This study details its prevalence and characteristics in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Prevalence and characteristics of itch in multiple sclerosis (MS) are not well understood.
- Chronic pruritus is a common but understudied symptom in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence, intensity, and characteristics of chronic pruritus in MS patients.
- To evaluate the impact of pruritus on quality of life and its association with MS symptoms, comorbidities, and MRI findings.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of MS patients in an outpatient neurology clinic.
- Utilized Standardized Itch Questionnaire and Itch Quality of Life forms for patients with chronic pruritus.
- Excluded patients with other medical conditions causing chronic itch.
Main Results:
- 35% of 77 MS patients reported pruritus, with an average severity of 5.42/10.
- Itch was acute, paroxysmal, and tingling, commonly affecting extremities, face, and trunk, aggravated by heat.
- Itch patients showed higher rates of fatigue, heat sensitivity, cognitive impairment, depression/anxiety, and specific MS-related brainstem/spinal cord lesions.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis patients experience paroxysmal neuropathic pruritus, frequently on extremities, face, or scalp.
- Pruritus in MS is associated with increased MS-related comorbidities and demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system.
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