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EFNS guidelines on neuropathic pain assessment
1EFNS Panel on Neuropathic Pain Department of Neurological Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. cruccu@uniroma1.it
European Journal of Neurology
|March 11, 2004
Summary
This review established guidelines for neuropathic pain assessment and treatment. It highlights clinical examination, electrophysiological tests, and psychometric scales for evaluating pain and treatment efficacy in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- A European Federation of Neurological Societies Task Force convened in 2001 to evaluate evidence on neuropathic pain assessment and treatment methods.
- This initiative aimed to develop clinical guidelines for managing patients with neuropathic pain.
Framework:
- Neurological examination with sensory testing is often sufficient for diagnosis.
- Nerve conduction studies and somatosensory-evoked potentials can identify peripheral or central nervous lesions but do not assess small fiber function.
- Quantitative sensory testing and laser-evoked potentials offer quantitative assessment of nociceptive pathways.
Implementation:
- Psychometric scales and quality of life measures are recommended for evaluating treatment efficacy in clinical practice and trials.
- Current methods rely on subjective patient reports and cognitive influences.
Implications:
- Development of guidelines for neuropathic pain management.
- Future research aims for laboratory measures of pain that bypass subjective reporting and cognitive influences.