A neuropathic pain component is common in acute whiplash and associated with a more complex clinical presentation
Author(s)
Sterling, Michele
Pedler, Ashley
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2009
Metadata
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Whiplash is a heterogeneous condition with some individuals showing features suggestive of neuropathic pain. This study investigated the presence of a neuropathic pain component in acute whiplash using the Self-reported Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms' scale (S-LANSS) and evaluated relationships among S-LANSS responses, pain/disability, sensory characteristics (mechanical, thermal pain thresholds, and Brachial plexus provocation test (BPPT) responses) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28)). Participants were 85 people with acute whiplash (<4 weeks) (54 females, age 36.27 ...
View more >Whiplash is a heterogeneous condition with some individuals showing features suggestive of neuropathic pain. This study investigated the presence of a neuropathic pain component in acute whiplash using the Self-reported Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms' scale (S-LANSS) and evaluated relationships among S-LANSS responses, pain/disability, sensory characteristics (mechanical, thermal pain thresholds, and Brachial plexus provocation test (BPPT) responses) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28)). Participants were 85 people with acute whiplash (<4 weeks) (54 females, age 36.27 ᠱ2.69 years). Thirty-four percent demonstrated a predominantly neuropathic pain component (S-LANSS = 12). This group showed higher pain/disability, cold hyperalgesia, cervical mechanical hyperalgesia, and less elbow extension with the BPPT (p < 0.03) when compared to the group with non-neuropathic pain (S-LANSS = 12). Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at distant sites and psychological distress (GHQ-28) were not different between the groups (p > 0.09). None of the S-LANSS items could discriminate those with cold hyperalgesia (p = 0.06). A predominantly neuropathic pain component is related to a complex presentation of higher pain/disability and sensory hypersensitivity. The S-LANSS may be a useful tool and the BPPT a useful clinical test in the early assessment of whiplash.
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View more >Whiplash is a heterogeneous condition with some individuals showing features suggestive of neuropathic pain. This study investigated the presence of a neuropathic pain component in acute whiplash using the Self-reported Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms' scale (S-LANSS) and evaluated relationships among S-LANSS responses, pain/disability, sensory characteristics (mechanical, thermal pain thresholds, and Brachial plexus provocation test (BPPT) responses) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28)). Participants were 85 people with acute whiplash (<4 weeks) (54 females, age 36.27 ᠱ2.69 years). Thirty-four percent demonstrated a predominantly neuropathic pain component (S-LANSS = 12). This group showed higher pain/disability, cold hyperalgesia, cervical mechanical hyperalgesia, and less elbow extension with the BPPT (p < 0.03) when compared to the group with non-neuropathic pain (S-LANSS = 12). Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at distant sites and psychological distress (GHQ-28) were not different between the groups (p > 0.09). None of the S-LANSS items could discriminate those with cold hyperalgesia (p = 0.06). A predominantly neuropathic pain component is related to a complex presentation of higher pain/disability and sensory hypersensitivity. The S-LANSS may be a useful tool and the BPPT a useful clinical test in the early assessment of whiplash.
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Journal Title
Manual Therapy
Volume
14
Issue
2
Subject
Clinical sciences
Clinical sciences not elsewhere classified
Sports science and exercise