| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2015 | Volume
: 1
| Issue : 1 | Page : 8-12 |
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Pain in multiple sclerosis: A South Indian experience
Pravin Thomas1, Suresh Kumar2, Anand Kumar3
1 Lead Consultant and Director, Department of Neurology; Pain Services, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
2 Professor, Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India
3 Professor and Head, Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Kochi, Kerala, India
Correspondence Address:
Pravin Thomas
Lead Consultant, Department of Neurology; Director, Pain Services, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala-689103
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10046-0004
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Pain is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), with a significant proportion being chronic pain. The profile of MS shows differences based on geographical regions and it has been inadequately studied in South India. The aim of this study was to understand the profile of MS in South India, with specific reference to pain. Patients admitted to a quaternary care center with an MS clinic between 2002 and 2009 were included in the study. Out of 51 patients with MS, 30 patients were followed up and their disability and quality of life (QoL) were assessed. The instruments used were the Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and SF-36 questionnaire. We found that there is a clustering of patients from three districts of Kerala (Eranakulam, Thrissur, Kottayam) probably suggests genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of MS or it may be because of a referral bias. The predominant clinical features were motor and sensory system involvement, which is similar to studies from Northwest India. We conclude that pain is a major symptom compared to similar studies from other Indian regions and as found in other cross-cultural studies. We also sugest measures to improve the current scenario in India.
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