Impact of pain on quality of life in patients with parkinson’s disease: a comprehensive clinical analysis

Impacto da dor na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença de Parkinson: uma análise clínica abrangente

Abstract

Background: Pain is a prevalent non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and has a substantial negative impact on patients’ quality of life. However, the complexity and multidimensionality of pain in PD are often underrecognized in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain and quality of life in individuals with PD through a comprehensive clinical analysis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 30 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, who were being followed at a specialized neurology outpatient clinic. Participants underwent structured clinical interviews, neurological examinations, and were assessed using validated scales, including the King’s Parkinson’s Disease Pain Questionnaire, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the PDQ-39 to evaluate quality of life. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to explore the association between pain characteristics and quality of life domains.

Results: The most frequently reported type of pain, affecting 80% of participants, was musculoskeletal and neuropathic in origin. The presence and severity of pain correlated significantly with worse scores in the mobility, emotional well-being, and bodily discomfort domains of the PDQ-39.

Conclusions: Pain in PD presents diverse clinical manifestations and is strongly associated with impaired quality of life. These findings underscore the need for systematic pain assessment and tailored management strategies in PD care.