TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2009//
TI  - A neuropathic pain component is common in acute whiplash and associated with a more complex clinical presentation
JO  - Manual therapy
A1  - Sterling, Michele
A1  - Pedler, Ashley
SP  - 173
EP  - 179
VL  - 14
IS  - 2
N2  - Whiplash is a heterogeneous condition with some individuals showing features suggestive of neuropathic pain. This study investigated the presence of a neuropathic pain component in acute whiplash using the Self-reported Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms' scale (S-LANSS) and evaluated relationships among S-LANSS responses, pain/disability, sensory characteristics (mechanical, thermal pain thresholds, and Brachial plexus provocation test (BPPT) responses) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28)). Participants were 85 people with acute whiplash (<4 weeks) (54 females, age 36.27+/-12.69 years). Thirty-four percent demonstrated a predominantly neuropathic pain component (S-LANSS>or=12). This group showed higher pain/disability, cold hyperalgesia, cervical mechanical hyperalgesia, and less elbow extension with the BPPT (p<0.03) when compared to the group with non-neuropathic pain (S-LANSS<or=12). Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at distant sites and psychological distress (GHQ-28) were not different between the groups (p>0.09). None of the S-LANSS items could discriminate those with cold hyperalgesia (p=0.06). A predominantly neuropathic pain component is related to a complex presentation of higher pain/disability and sensory hypersensitivity. The S-LANSS may be a useful tool and the BPPT a useful clinical test in the early assessment of whiplash.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1356-689X
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2008.01.009
ID  - ref1
ER  -