MS: Dysesthetic Extremity Pain

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system, attacking and damaging the nerves in the body. MS is therefore referred to as an autoimmune disease. There are varieties of ailments associated with MS; however, dysesthetic pain or impairment of the senses, such as touch, is one of the more common symptoms a person may have.

Neurogenic

• Neurogenic pain occurs when the central nervous system is unable to communicate true feelings to the extremities (hands, legs and feet). The result is a burning or tingling sensation in the extremities, most often in the legs.

Phantom

• Phantom pain results when the brain compensates for a decrease in proper information, causing feelings of swelling, shooting, stabbing or electric shock, even though nothing is physically wrong with the person. Phantom pain can be brought about by unusual stimulus such as the weight of bed sheets or even a slight breeze.

Sensory Ataxia

• With sensory ataxia there is insufficient feedback from the brain to the feet to allow for proper walking. A person’s foot or feet will be numb and he will not be able to feel full weight. This feeling can easily lead to tripping and falling.

Nociceptive

• Nociceptive pain is a warning system given off by a person’s bones, muscles and body that there is tissue damage occurring. The sharp pains are usually caused by a change of gait (walk) or posture.

Treatments

• Many different treatment options are available to those suffering from MS pain, including medication to help calm excited nerves, meditation and relaxation. Surgery is also an option, but it is often used as a last resort.