Management of pain in Parkinson's disease.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2012

Abstract

Pain is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) and accounts for substantial morbidity in up to 80 % of patients. Despite contributing to disease-related discomfort and disability, pain in PD frequently goes underacknowledged and undertreated in clinical practice. Although the exact underlying neurophysiology is unclear, there is increasing understanding of the role of the basal ganglia in somatosensory processing, as well as involvement of additional brainstem structures and non-dopaminergic pathways; appreciation of these mechanisms has implications for treatment strategies. Categorizing painful symptoms based on their clinical description into musculoskeletal, dystonic, radicular-peripheral neuropathic and central pain categories provides a useful framework for management. Importantly, these symptoms should be evaluated in relation to motor symptoms and dopaminergic therapy. A multi-disciplinary approach is recommended as follows: physical therapy, liaison with pain management and consultations to rheumatological, orthopaedic and neurosurgical services should be considered.

Volume

26

Issue

11

First Page

937

Last Page

948

ISSN

1179-1934

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

23055368

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS