Is there pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? A cross-sectional study.

Background:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive debilitating and lethal disorder, characterized by degeneration of motor neurons that warrant palliative care. Pain is frequent in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and significantly impacts on quality of life.Aim:To describe pain and assess the prevalence of pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Design:Cross-sectional survey from March 2009 to October 2013.Setting/participants:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients underwent multidisciplinary assessment and completed questionnaires measuring the severity and impact of pain and anxiety. The Douleur Neuropathique–4 questionnaire was used to look for pain with neuropathic characteristics.Results:Of 96 clinical evaluations, 93 were usable for analysis (age at onset: 62 ± 12.5 years; disease duration: 34 ± 33 months). The overall pain prevalence was 66%, with 9% experiencing pain with neuropathic characteristics. Pain was most often located in th...