Central Sensitization in Neurological, Psychiatric, and Pain Disorders: A Multicenter Case-Controlled Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The role of central sensitization in refractory pain disorders remains unclear.
• Central sensitization syndrome (CSS) is a potential factor in various neurological and pain conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of central sensitization on patients with neurological, psychological, and pain disorders.
• To assess the relationship between central sensitization symptoms and pain, disability, and depression.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter case-controlled study involving 551 patients and 5,188 healthy controls.
• Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) parts A and B were used to assess CSS symptoms.
• Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 were administered to evaluate pain and depressive symptoms.

Main Results:

• Patients exhibited significantly higher CSI-A scores and CSI-B disease numbers compared to controls.
• Higher CSI-A scores correlated with increased pain severity, pain interference, and depressive symptoms.
• Increased CSI-B disease numbers were associated with higher CSI-A scores and greater odds of CSS.

Conclusions:

• Central sensitization syndrome (CSS) appears to be a common pathophysiological factor in various neurological, psychological, and pain disorders.
• CSS is significantly associated with pain severity, functional impairment, and depression in affected patients.