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Neuropathic pain is an important component of many chronic pain conditions7 and is caused by drug-, disease-, or injury-induced damage or dysfunction in the nervous system8. Early diagnosis and intervention for patients with neuropathic pain is important in their management9.
Neuropathic pain features
It is characterised by a burning, cold or an electrical shooting sensation, and can also be associated with tingling, pins and needles, numbness and itching10.
Neuropathic pain features are common in patients with11:
| Nerve entrapment |
Complex regional pain syndrome |
Phantom limb pain |
| Peripheral neuropathy |
Post surgical neuropathy |
Multiple sclerosis |
| Post herpetic neuralgia |
Cancer related pain |
Post stroke pain |
| Diabetic neuropathy |
Trigeminal neuralgia |
Low back pain |
| Spinal injuries |
Post traumatic neuropathy |
Fibromyalgia |
Neuropathic Pain Diagnostic Questionnaires
The DN4 Neuropathic Pain Diagnostic Questionnaire (see Appendix 3) is a GP-administered validated tool for identifying neuropathic pain in patients with persistent pain of at least moderate severity10. An alternate questionnaire is included in Appendix 4: The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Pain Scale12.
Appendix 3: DN4 Neuropathic Pain Diagnostic Questionnaire
Appendix 4: The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Pain Scale
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