Investigation of Neuropathic Pain Distribution and Related Factors in People with Multiple Sclerosis

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of the study was to examine the distribution of neuropathic pain according to body areas in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) with neuropathic pain. The secondary aim was to examine the relationship between neuropathic pain and psychosocial (fatigue, sleepiness, anxiety, and depression levels) parameters in pwMS.
METHODS: This study analyzed 70 pwMS. The PainDETECT questionnaire was used to assess neuropathic pain. Psychosocial parameters such as fatigue, sleepiness, anxiety, and depression were assessed.
RESULTS: The most frequently reported neuropathic pain areas were the neck (58.6%), foot/ankle (50%), and knee (48.6%). In addition, in every 1-point increase in the depression survey, the likelihood of having neuropathic pain increases 0.66 times, and in every 1-point increase in the psychosocial parameter of the fatigue survey, the likelihood of having neuropathic pain increases 2.12 times (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study reveal that neuropathic pain is frequently seen in the neck, foot/ankle, and knee areas in pwMS. In addition, the psychosocial parameter of fatigue and depression increases the likelihood of having neuropathic pain in pwMS.