Occurrence of neuropathic pain and its characteristics in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2228584 · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Neuropathic pain is a type of pain caused by damage to the nervous system, often described as burning, tingling, or stabbing sensations. The research aims to understand how common neuropathic pain is among SCI patients and its relationship with factors like age, gender, and the severity of the spinal cord injury. The researchers assessed 104 SCI patients using questionnaires and clinical evaluations to identify the presence and severity of neuropathic pain. They analyzed the data to determine if there were any correlations between neuropathic pain and demographic or clinical characteristics of the patients. The findings revealed that a significant percentage of SCI patients experience neuropathic pain, which can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to participate in rehabilitation. The study highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation and treatment strategies to address neuropathic pain in SCI patients, considering factors like injury severity and timing.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

104 SCIPs

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Neuropathic pain was present in 74% of the spinal cord injury patients studied.
2
A significant relationship was observed between neuropathic pain and completeness of injury, with a higher occurrence in patients with complete injuries (ASIA grade A).
3
Most patients experienced neuropathic pain within the first year after the spinal cord injury, with medicines being the most common pain-relieving factor.

Research Summary

The study assessed the occurrence and characteristics of neuropathic pain in 104 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). The results indicated that 74% of patients experienced neuropathic pain, with a higher prevalence in those with complete injuries (ASIA grade A). The study also found that neuropathic pain typically develops within the first year post-injury, and medications are the most commonly used method for pain relief.

Practical Implications

Comprehensive Evaluation

Emphasizes the importance of a thorough assessment for neuropathic pain in SCI patients, including the completeness of the injury, duration, and timing of the pain onset.

Targeted Treatment Strategies

Highlights the need for treatment plans that consider the specific factors contributing to neuropathic pain in SCI patients, such as the type of injury and the time of day when pain is most severe.

Early Intervention

Suggests the importance of early intervention and medication prescription strategies to address neuropathic pain, particularly during the night when pain tends to be more pronounced.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not distinguish between at- or below-level neuropathic pain which may have inflated the reported occurrence.
2
The cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between variables and neuropathic pain.
3
The study population was limited to patients at a single tertiary care hospital, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings.

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