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.