Prevalence and Characteristics of Neuropathic Pain in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury Referred to a Rehabilitation Center

Ann Rehabil Med, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.20081 · Published: December 31, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to understand how common neuropathic pain (NP) is among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and what factors might be related to it. The researchers looked at the medical records of 366 SCI patients and classified their pain using a standard method. They found that about 69% of these patients had NP, and that being married or having depression were linked to a higher chance of having NP.

Study Duration

12 months

Participants

366 patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The prevalence of NP in patients with SCI was 69.1% according to the ISCIP classification.
2
Marital status and depressive mood were predictors of NP.
3
Females and those with below-level SCI pain reported more intense pain.

Research Summary

This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of neuropathic pain (NP) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients using the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain (ISCIP) classification. The study found a high prevalence of NP (69.1%) among SCI patients, with marital status and depressive mood being significant predictors. The study also identified that females and those with below-level SCI pain reported higher pain intensity, suggesting that treatment planning should consider these factors.

Practical Implications

Clinical Management

Treatment plans for SCI patients with NP should consider marital status, mood, sex, and pain subtype to improve outcomes.

Pain Assessment

Active management of pain is warranted in patients with an NRS score ≥4.5 to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life.

Further Research

Future studies applying the ISCIP classification will provide a more accurate understanding of SCI-related NP.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size may not be sufficient for subgroup analyses.
2
Retrospective cross-sectional design introduces potential information bias.
3
Causal relationships between variables cannot be identified due to the study design.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury