Pain in central and peripheral demyelinating disorders

Neurol Clin. 1998 Nov;16(4):889-98. doi: 10.1016/s0733-8619(05)70103-1.

Abstract

Moderate to severe pain is a common feature of central and peripheral demyelinating disorders. Pain in multiple sclerosis tends to occur when the disease is well-established and usually lingers infinitely. Pain in Guillain-Barré syndrome tends to be particularly severe at the time of initial presentation and usually resolves over 8 to 12 weeks. Pain in both conditions is generally caused by either the direct effects of nerve injury or the result of paralysis and prolonged immobilization. Pain syndromes are well-defined in each disorder based on the underlying pathophysiology. Treatment involves a variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches individualized for each specific pain syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / etiology*
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / therapy
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Neuralgia / diagnosis
  • Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Neuralgia / therapy
  • Pain Measurement

Substances

  • Analgesics