Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brachial Plexus Injury

To evaluate the influence of neuropathic pain on quality of life in individuals with traumatic brachial plexus injury using validated assessment tools and multiple linear regression models to identify independent predictors of WHOQOL-BREF domains.

This cross-sectional study included 77 adults with traumatic brachial plexus injury and neuropathic pain, identified by a score of 4 or more on the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4). All patients were evaluated at a specialized rehabilitation hospital. Participants completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multiple linear regression models were used to identify independent predictors of each WHOQOL-BREF domain.

The physical health domain of the WHOQOL-BREF had the lowest mean score (46.3), followed by environment (57.5), psychological well-being (59.8), and social relationships (60.3). Pain intensity and upper limb disability were significant predictors of poorer physical health (p < 0.05). Depressive symptoms were linked to lower psychological scores, and anxiety symptoms were associated with reduced scores in the social and environmental domains. The BPI revealed substantial pain interference with normal work (mean = 5.61) and sleep (mean = 5.11), indicating significant occupational and restorative impairments.

Neuropathic pain significantly impairs quality of life in individuals with traumatic brachial plexus injury, underscoring the need for integrated pain, functional, and psychological management in this population.