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Do People With Multiple Sclerosis Face Increased Sensitivity To Pain?
Question: Hi, My son is 33 years old and have MS. According to his oral surgeon he needs to have all his wisdom teeth removed. They are impacted. Plus a decayed molar will also be removed at he same time.
That means 5 teeth. The procedure will be done at the hospital under general anaesthesia.
My son is highly sensitive to pain. Just an example: The last times the nurse took his blood pressure on his upper arm he was in pain! He will certainly be in pain when the anaesthetist will insert the intravenous needle!! It's a fact most people will experience some discomfort after the wisdom teeth extraction. My questions for now: Knowing how sensitive my son is I wonder if his MS will flair new or stronger pains after the surgery compare to healthy people. Does MS people experience more complications after the wisdom teeth removal than healthy people? What can he do? We already talk with the dentist and oral surgeon and don't about MS! Frustrating. I would appreciate your help. Thank you. XXXXX
That means 5 teeth. The procedure will be done at the hospital under general anaesthesia.
My son is highly sensitive to pain. Just an example: The last times the nurse took his blood pressure on his upper arm he was in pain! He will certainly be in pain when the anaesthetist will insert the intravenous needle!! It's a fact most people will experience some discomfort after the wisdom teeth extraction. My questions for now: Knowing how sensitive my son is I wonder if his MS will flair new or stronger pains after the surgery compare to healthy people. Does MS people experience more complications after the wisdom teeth removal than healthy people? What can he do? We already talk with the dentist and oral surgeon and don't about MS! Frustrating. I would appreciate your help. Thank you. XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Surgery won't impact MS
Detailed Answer:
I read your query carefully and I understand your concern.
It is true that some patients with multiple sclerosis can have increased sensitivity to pain, specifically to pain on pressure like that blood pressure measurement and that might be the case with your son.
On the other hand that doesn't mean that there is a new relapse or lesion, the painful episodes are not related to new flares.
Studies have shown that surgery doesn't carry any added risk for patients with multiple sclerosis and doesn't aggravate the disease. That applies to wisdom teeth extraction as well.
The only exception might be in very advanced cases of immobilized patients who are at increased risk for post surgical complications like infections, hopefully your son's disability is not that advanced.
One medication which could be tried to alleviate hypersensitivity to touch or pressure is amitriptyline, but it could its reaching effect can take time and may cause side effects like dry mouth or fatigue so if hypersensitivity is not affecting daily life I would not use it and limit to temporary anesthetics and pain treatment administered by the anesthetist during and after the procedure.
I hope things will work out for the best.
Surgery won't impact MS
Detailed Answer:
I read your query carefully and I understand your concern.
It is true that some patients with multiple sclerosis can have increased sensitivity to pain, specifically to pain on pressure like that blood pressure measurement and that might be the case with your son.
On the other hand that doesn't mean that there is a new relapse or lesion, the painful episodes are not related to new flares.
Studies have shown that surgery doesn't carry any added risk for patients with multiple sclerosis and doesn't aggravate the disease. That applies to wisdom teeth extraction as well.
The only exception might be in very advanced cases of immobilized patients who are at increased risk for post surgical complications like infections, hopefully your son's disability is not that advanced.
One medication which could be tried to alleviate hypersensitivity to touch or pressure is amitriptyline, but it could its reaching effect can take time and may cause side effects like dry mouth or fatigue so if hypersensitivity is not affecting daily life I would not use it and limit to temporary anesthetics and pain treatment administered by the anesthetist during and after the procedure.
I hope things will work out for the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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