Predictive Factors of the Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and its Impact on Patient Activity

Abstract

Aim: To determine the predictive factors of the neuropathic pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and the impact of such neuropathic pain on patient’s activity. Methods: Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire, Short Form-Brief Pain Inventory test and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire were completed and results were stratified according neuropathic pain and work activity of the patients. Results: 69 of 90 patients with CTS had neuropathic pain (76.7%). Increasing by one the scores of numbness/tingling, pain intensity and neurologic affectation of the electromyogram meant increasing 3.3-, 2.7- and 4.4-times the risk of neuropathic pain, respectively. Conclusion: These results will be useful for a better neuropathic pain evaluation in patients with CTS, allowing the appropriate treatment.

Keywords::

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• DN4 questionnaire
• neuropathic pain

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to all patients who voluntarily contributed to the development of this study.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.