Article

The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of
neuropathic pain and observe intensity alterations in pain with regard to time
during the day in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.Methods:A total of 50 SCI
patients (M/F, 40/10; mean age, 35+/-12 years) with at-level and below-level
neuropathic pain were included in the study. All patients were examined and
classified according to the ASIA/ISCoS 2002 International Neurologic Examination
and Classification Standards. The history, duration, localization and
characteristics of the pain were recorded. Neuropathic pain of patients was
evaluated with the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire and LANSS (Leeds Assessment
of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs) Pain Scale. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used
to measure the severity of pain four times during the day. Quality of life was
analyzed with Short Form 36.Results:Out of 50 patients, 10 were tetraplegic and
40 were paraplegic. In all, 28 patients had motor and sensory complete injuries
(AIS A), whereas 22 patients had sensory incomplete (AIS B, C and D) injuries.
The most frequently used words to describe neuropathic pain were throbbing,
tiring, hot and tingling. Pain intensity was significantly higher in the night
than in the evening, noon and morning (P<0.05) (VAS morning: 5.16+/-2.42, VAS
noon: 5.24+/-2.52, VAS evening: 5.80+/-2.46 and VAS night:
6.38+/-2.19).Conclusion:Neuropathic pain is a serious complaint in SCI patients
and affects their quality of life. Neuropathic pain intensity was higher in the
night hours than other times of day. This situation reinforces the need for a
continued research and education on neuropathic pain in SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS