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Quantitative sensory testing of temperature thresholds: Possible biomarkers for persistent pain?
Eva-Maj Malmström1, Johanna Stjerna, Edward D Högestätt
1Department of Pain Rehabilitation, Skane University Hospital, Lasarettsgatan 13, SE-582 85 Lund, Sweden.
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|October 10, 2015
Summary
Quantitative sensory testing (QST) reliably measures thermal thresholds over time. Patients with persistent pain show altered temperature sensitivity, particularly increased cold pain sensitivity, compared to healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is crucial for assessing thermal perception.
- Understanding sensory alterations in persistent pain is vital for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reproducibility of thermal thresholds using QST in healthy controls.
- To compare temperature sensitivity between healthy individuals and patients with persistent pain.
Main Methods:
- 54 healthy controls and 25 patients with persistent pain underwent repeated QST.
- Heat and cold detection and pain thresholds were measured in the forearm and neck.
- Reproducibility was assessed over a 6-9 month interval.
Main Results:
- Thermal thresholds demonstrated reproducibility in healthy controls.
- Patients exhibited increased heat and cold detection thresholds.
- Patients showed significantly lower thresholds for cold and heat pain, especially cold pain.
Conclusions:
- QST is a reproducible method for longitudinal sensory function assessment.
- Persistent pain is associated with heightened sensitivity to cold pain.
- Analyzing the difference between detection and pain thresholds may enhance the detection of sensory alterations.
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