Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in motor weakness of the limbs and/or bulbar muscles. Pain is a prevalent but neglected symptom of ALS, and it has a significant negative impact on the quality o...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical Science
2022-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science |
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| Online Access: | http://www.e-jyms.org/upload/pdf/jyms-2022-00332.pdf |
| _version_ | 1828300756297449472 |
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| author | Soyoung Kwak |
| author_facet | Soyoung Kwak |
| author_sort | Soyoung Kwak |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in motor weakness of the limbs and/or bulbar muscles. Pain is a prevalent but neglected symptom of ALS, and it has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. This review outlines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies of pain in ALS to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes related to pain. Pain is a prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, with a variable reported prevalence. It may occur at any stage of the disease and can involve any part of the body without a specific pattern. Primary pain includes neuropathic pain and pain from spasticity or cramps, while secondary pain is mainly nociceptive, occurring with the progression of muscle weakness and atrophy, prolonged immobility causing degenerative changes in joints and connective tissue, and long-term home mechanical ventilation. Prior to treatment, the exact patterns and causes of pain must first be identified, and the treatment should be tailored to each patient. Treatment options can be classified into pharmacological treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, drugs for cramps or spasticity, and opioid; and nonpharmacological treatments, including positioning, splints, joint injections, and physical therapy. The development of standardized and specific assessment tools for pain-specific to ALS is required, as are further studies on treatments to reduce pain, diminish suffering, and improve the quality of life of patients with ALS. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-13T13:14:15Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a4f2cbab295048948383f678237686e1 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2799-8010 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-13T13:14:15Z |
| publishDate | 2022-07-01 |
| publisher | Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical Science |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-a4f2cbab295048948383f678237686e12022-12-22T02:45:31ZengYeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical ScienceJournal of Yeungnam Medical Science2799-80102022-07-0139318118910.12701/jyms.2022.003322724Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative reviewSoyoung KwakAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in motor weakness of the limbs and/or bulbar muscles. Pain is a prevalent but neglected symptom of ALS, and it has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. This review outlines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies of pain in ALS to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes related to pain. Pain is a prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, with a variable reported prevalence. It may occur at any stage of the disease and can involve any part of the body without a specific pattern. Primary pain includes neuropathic pain and pain from spasticity or cramps, while secondary pain is mainly nociceptive, occurring with the progression of muscle weakness and atrophy, prolonged immobility causing degenerative changes in joints and connective tissue, and long-term home mechanical ventilation. Prior to treatment, the exact patterns and causes of pain must first be identified, and the treatment should be tailored to each patient. Treatment options can be classified into pharmacological treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, drugs for cramps or spasticity, and opioid; and nonpharmacological treatments, including positioning, splints, joint injections, and physical therapy. The development of standardized and specific assessment tools for pain-specific to ALS is required, as are further studies on treatments to reduce pain, diminish suffering, and improve the quality of life of patients with ALS.http://www.e-jyms.org/upload/pdf/jyms-2022-00332.pdfamyotrophic lateral sclerosismotor neuron diseasenon-motor symptomspainpalliative care |
| spellingShingle | Soyoung Kwak Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neuron disease non-motor symptoms pain palliative care |
| title | Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review |
| title_full | Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review |
| title_fullStr | Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review |
| title_short | Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review |
| title_sort | pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis a narrative review |
| topic | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neuron disease non-motor symptoms pain palliative care |
| url | http://www.e-jyms.org/upload/pdf/jyms-2022-00332.pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT soyoungkwak paininamyotrophiclateralsclerosisanarrativereview |