Classification and Characteristics of Pain Associated with Parkinson’s Disease
Table 1
Classification of pain related to Parkinson’s disease.
Category
Characteristics
Musculoskeletal
Muscle and/or joint pain, inflammation, bone deformity, reduced joint mobility, and abnormal posture. Associated with muscle rigidity and can improve with levodopa therapy.
Dystonic
Associated with abnormal postures and can improve with levodopa therapy.
Neuropathic/ radicular
Peripheral neuropathic pain: restricted to the territory of the affected nerve or nerve root.
Central or primary
Neuropathic pain that is not restricted to the affected nerve or nerve root. Varies with the medication cycle as a nonmotor fluctuation. Pain may have an autonomic character, with visceral sensations. Not associated with rigidity, dystonia, or musculoskeletal or structural lesions.
Akathisia
Subjective sensation of restlessness and an inability to remain still. Can vary with medication and improve with levodopa therapy.