Pain in Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management Through Clinical Vignettes

This review examined the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) using clinical vignettes. It found that pain affected 50-75% of MS patients and varied based on the nervous system area involved. The review stressed the importance of accurately characterizing pain for effective treatment, as mismanagement often resulted in poor outcomes. Case studies, such as Hope with trigeminal neuralgia and Julie with glossopharyngeal neuralgia, demonstrated the complexity of MS-related pain management and the need for tailored approaches, including pharmacological and surgical interventions. The document highlighted the effectiveness of specific treatments like oxycarbazepine, pregabalin, and surgical procedures in achieving pain relief, underscoring the necessity of individualized treatment strategies to address the unique pathophysiology of MS-associated neuralgias.