Assessment of Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the widespread pain of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] with neuropathic pain and to investigate the correlation between widespread pain and the functional status of patients.

Methods

The study comprised 173 female patients with FMS [mean age, 39.35 ± 7.7 years; range: 20–50 years]. The demographic data, widespread pain index [WPI], symptom severity scale [SSS], and complaint durations of the patients were recorded. Current pain intensity was determined using a visual analog scale for pain [VASp], functional status using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQ], and pain characteristics using the McGill Pain Questionnaire [MPQ]. Neuropathic and nociceptive pains were differentiated using Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs [LANSS].

Results

The patients reported different types of neuropathic pain: knife-stabbing pain 20.8 percent, burning pain 19.7 percent, and stinging pain 16.8 percent. 52.6 percent of patients showed a LANSS score of ≥12, while 47.4 percent showed <12. The former reported knife-stabbing pain most frequently [22 percent], whereas the latter reported burning pain most frequently [26.8 percent]. The FIQ and VASp scores showed a significant correlation [r = 0.557, P < 0.05]. In contrast, the correlation between the LANSS and VASp scores was poor but significant [r = 0.266, P < 0.05] and that between the FIQ and LANSS scores was very poor, but significant [r = 0.175, P < 0.05].

Conclusion

Patients with FMS had high LANSS scores and diffuse neuropathic pain complaints. Their functional status was associated with pain severity. Their assessment for neuropathic pain could guide in the explanation of FMS aetiopathogenesis and in clinical practice.

Keywords:

• Fibromyalgia syndrome
• neuropathic pain
• pain characteristics
• functional status