A Silver Lining of Neuropathic Pain: Predicting Favorable Functional Outcome in Spinal Cord Injury

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Neuropathic pain (NP) is a frequent and debilitating consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI).
• The precise relationship between NP and functional outcomes post-SCI remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between neuropathic pain and functional recovery in patients with spinal cord injury.
• To identify predictors of favorable functional outcomes and functional gain in SCI patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 140 spinal cord injury patients admitted between January 2018 and June 2022.
• Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of functional outcomes, including Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) scores and mean relative functional gain (mRFG).

Main Results:

• Neuropathic pain was independently associated with a favorable outcome (SCIM discharge score ≥ 50) and higher SCIM total scores at discharge.
• Patients with NP demonstrated significantly higher mRFG and SCIM scores compared to those without NP.
• Incomplete injury, lumbar-sacral injury level, and absence of anemia were also predictors of better functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Neuropathic pain, despite being an undesirable complication, is independently associated with improved functional recovery in SCI patients.
• These findings may help reduce the psychological impact of NP and enhance patient confidence during rehabilitation.