Pain in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: Determination of Prevalence and Characteristics

Abstract

Introduction The aim was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pain in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (pwNMOSD).<br /> Methods The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to determine the participants' pain levels and pain localization. The PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q) was used to differentiate between nociceptive and neuropathic pain. The scores <= 12 were considered as presence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and > 12 as neuropathic pain (NP). The Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index (PBMSI) was used to measure health-related quality of life. Information such as Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration and age of the participants were also recorded.<br /> Results The 62 participants included in the study were divided into 3 groups: 14 without pain, 17 with MSP and 31 with NP. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, disease duration and EDSS scores (p > .05). When the pain distribution was analyzed, the regions with the most pain complaints in the last 12 months were neck (n = 22, 34.9%), foot-ankle (n = 16, 25.4%) and back (n = 15, 25.8%), respectively. When the quality of life of the three groups were compared, there was a difference between PBMSI-Walk, PBMSI-Fatigue and total score.<br /> Conclusion The results of this study showed that the neck, back, and foot-ankle were the most common and most disabling pain areas in pwNMOSD, regardless of the age, disease duration, and EDSS score of the participant. However, there was a difference between the groups in the parameters related to gait, fatigue and total quality of life against NP.