Relationship between neuropathic pain and spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury: cross-sectional clinical study
Relação entre dor neuropática e espasticidade em pacientes com trauma raquimedular: estudo clínico transversal
Caio Vinicius Monteiro de Sousa; Wladimir Gama da Silva; Fabiane Nunes Machado; Ana Paula Santos
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropathic pain and spasticity are common complications in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Although they share several characteristics, the literature has insufficient evidence to support their correlation in SCI patients. This study aimed to characterize neuropathic pain in SCI patients and investigate its correlation with spasticity.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 20 SCI patients treated at a rehabilitation center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Clinical and demographic data were collected, along with a semi-structured questionnaire to characterize pain. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), while the frequency and severity of spasms were evaluated using the Penn Spasm Frequency Scale. Statistical analyses included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Spearman correlation, and Chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05).
RESULTS: Of the patients, 90% were male, and 79% had paraplegia. Neuropathic pain was reported in 50% of cases, with an average score of 7.2 ± 2.2. The pain primarily affected the lumbar region and was described as burning by most patients (70%). Spasms were reported by 85%, with 55% experiencing moderate to severe spasms frequently. No significant correlation was found between pain intensity and spasm frequency (r = 0.191; p = 0.43) or severity (r = -0.239; p = 0.32). Additionally, no association was observed between the presence of pain and the occurrence of spasms (p = 0.86).
CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain and spasticity are common issues following SCI. However, this study did not identify a significant correlation between these conditions.
Keywords
Resumo
JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor neuropática e a espasticidade são complicações frequentes em pacientes com trauma raquimedular (TRM). Embora compartilhem diversas características, não há dados suficientes na literatura que sustentem sua correlação em pacientes com TRM. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a dor neuropática em pacientes com TRM e investigar sua correlação com a espasticidade.
MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 20 pacientes com TRM, atendidos em uma unidade de reabilitação em Belo Horizonte. Foram coletados dados clínicos e demográficos, além de um questionário semiestruturado para caracterizar a dor. A intensidade da dor foi medida pela Escala Visual Numérica (EVN), enquanto a frequência e a gravidade dos espasmos foram avaliadas pela Escala de Penn. Análises estatísticas incluíram os testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, correlação de Spearman e Qui-quadrado (p ≤ 0,05).
RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes, 90% eram do sexo masculino, e 79% apresentavam paraplegia. A dor neuropática foi observada em 50% dos casos, com escore médio de 7,2 ± 2,2, afetando principalmente a região lombar e descrita como queimação pela maioria (70%). Espasmos foram relatados por 85%, com 55% apresentando espasmos moderados a graves com frequência. Não foi encontrada correlação significativa entre a intensidade da dor e a frequência (r = 0,191; p = 0,43) ou gravidade (r = -0,239; p = 0,32) dos espasmos. Além disso, não foi encontrada associação entre a presença de dor e a ocorrência de espasmos (p = 0,86).
CONCLUSÃO: A dor neuropática e a espasticidade são problemas comuns após TRM, porém neste estudo, não houve correlação significativa entre elas.
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References
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Submitted date:
10/24/2024
Accepted date:
01/14/2025
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