Pharmacological therapies for pain in Parkinson’s disease – a review paper

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine containing cells in the substantia nigra, with pain being one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood symptoms. The prevalence of pain in PD populations ranges from 40–85% and is usually categorized under the following types: i) musculoskeletal pain ii) radicular and neuropathic pain iii) dystonia-related pain iv) akathitic pain and iv) central parkinsonian pain.

Areas covered: The aim of this literature review was to document and present the common and uncommon pharmaceutical therapies that treat and/or alleviate these types of pain in PD. The PubMed database was searched with keywords: “Parkinson’s disease”, “Pain”, and “Pharmacological Therapies”. Research articles involving randomized, controlled trials were included as well as case studies and qualitative studies.

Expert commentary: Given the increased prevalence of pain in PD populations, there is a need for a clear understanding of the types of pain treatments available and how they can be best combined to fit the specific needs of each patient.

KEYWORDS:

• Parkinson’s disease
• pain
• analgesic treatments
• dopaminergic agents
• levodopa
• non-motor symptoms
• musculoskeletal pain
• substantia nigra degradation
• dystonic pain

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.