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Clinical features of chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics: A symptom‐based assessment using the P ain DETECT Q uestionnaire
Author(s) -
Shaygan M.,
Böger A.,
KrönerHerwig B.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1002/j.1532-2149.2013.00322.x
Subject(s) - neuropathic pain , medicine , chronic pain , depression (economics) , neuralgia , nociception , physical therapy , anesthesia , macroeconomics , receptor , economics
Background In general, chronic pain is categorized into two mechanism‐based groups: nociceptive and neuropathic pain. This dichotomous approach is questioned and a dimensional perspective is suggested. The present study investigated neuropathic characteristics in different syndromes of chronic pain. We also examined the association of neuropathic characteristics with various pain related and psychological variables. Methods From A pril 2010 to J anuary 2012, 400 patients suffering from a chronic pain condition enrolled for multidisciplinary pain treatment were considered for inclusion in the study. Criteria for inclusion were age over 18 years and having chronic pain according to ICD ‐10 ( F 45.41) criteria. The pain DETECT questionnaire was used to assess neuropathic characteristics of pain. Results Thirty‐seven percent of patients with different pain diagnoses demonstrated distinct neuropathic characteristics. The diagnostic groups for neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain and post traumatic or surgical pain showed the most neuropathic features. The level of depression, pain chronicity and intensity, disability and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in patients suffering from neuropathic symptoms. A high level of depression and pain chronicity as well as high intensity of pain explained most of the variance in the neuropathic scores. Disability and length of hospital stay significantly predicted neuropathic characteristics only when examined separately, but not if included in a common regression model. Conclusions Any type of chronic pain may have more or less neuropathic characteristics. The pain‐related parameters of high intensity and chronicity as well as negative affectivity and functional disability strongly correlate with neuropathic characteristics of pain.