Palma Ciaramitaro1, Luca Padua2,3, Grazia Devigili4, Eugenia Rota5, Stefano Tamburin6, Roberto Eleopra4, Giorgio Cruccu6, Andrea Truini7. 1. Clinical Neurophysiology, Neuroscience Department, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy. 2. Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. 3. Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus Foundation, Italy. 4. AOU S. Maria della Misericordia, UOC Neurologia, Udine, Italy. 5. Presidio Ospedaliero di Piacenza, UOC Neurologia, Piacenza, Italy. 6. Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. 7. Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Prevalence and clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain due to traumatic brachial plexus injury. DESIGN: Observational epidemiological study. SETTING: Hospital-based multicenter study. SUBJECTS: One hundred seven prospectively enrolled patients with brachial plexus injury. METHODS: All the patients underwent clinical examination and neurophysiological testing for a definitive diagnosis of the brachial plexus lesion. The DN4 questionnaire was used to identify neuropathic pain, and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) to evaluate the different symptoms of neuropathic pain. The SF36 questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess quality of life and mood disturbances in patients with neuropathic pain. RESULTS: Of the 107 enrolled patients, 74 had pain (69%); neuropathic pain, as assessed by means of the DN4, was identified in 60 (56%) of these patients. According to the NPSI, the most frequent and severe pain type was the spontaneous burning pain. Clinical and neurophysiological findings showed that pain is unrelated to age but is associated with the severity of peripheral nerve damage. The SF36 questionnaire and BDI showed that neuropathic pain impairs quality of life and causes depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides information on the prevalence, characteristics, and variables associated with neuropathic pain due to traumatic brachial plexus injuries that might provide a basis for improving the clinical management of this condition.
OBJECTIVE: Prevalence and clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain due to traumatic brachial plexus injury. DESIGN: Observational epidemiological study. SETTING: Hospital-based multicenter study. SUBJECTS: One hundred seven prospectively enrolled patients with brachial plexus injury. METHODS: All the patients underwent clinical examination and neurophysiological testing for a definitive diagnosis of the brachial plexus lesion. The DN4 questionnaire was used to identify neuropathic pain, and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) to evaluate the different symptoms of neuropathic pain. The SF36 questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess quality of life and mood disturbances in patients with neuropathic pain. RESULTS: Of the 107 enrolled patients, 74 had pain (69%); neuropathic pain, as assessed by means of the DN4, was identified in 60 (56%) of these patients. According to the NPSI, the most frequent and severe pain type was the spontaneous burning pain. Clinical and neurophysiological findings showed that pain is unrelated to age but is associated with the severity of peripheral nerve damage. The SF36 questionnaire and BDI showed that neuropathic pain impairs quality of life and causes depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides information on the prevalence, characteristics, and variables associated with neuropathic pain due to traumatic brachial plexus injuries that might provide a basis for improving the clinical management of this condition.
Authors: Emma T Smolev; Liz Rolf; Eric Zhu; Sarah K Buday; Madison Brody; David M Brogan; Christopher J Dy Journal: J Hand Surg Glob Online Date: 2020-11-13
Authors: Melinda R Story; Yvette S Nout-Lomas; Tawfik A Aboellail; Kurt T Selberg; Myra F Barrett; C Wayne Mcllwraith; Kevin K Haussler Journal: Front Vet Sci Date: 2021-12-10