ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Spinal cord injury is a change in spinal canal structures and may induce motor, sensory, autonomic and psychoaffective changes. Trauma injury is the most prevalent. Neuropathic pain is more frequent in people with spinal cord injury and may be disabling. Pain development mechanism is poorly known being its management difficult for both patients and health professionals. This study aimed at identifying biopsychosocial characteristics associated to neuropathic pain in spinal cord trauma injury patients.
CASE REPORTS:
Sample was made up of 13 patients with spinal cord trauma injury and neuropathic pain, hospitalized for rehabilitation in a health institution. The following data collection tools were used: Douleur Neuropathique em 4 Questions Questionnaire and Brief Pain Inventory, in addition to demographic data. Most patients were male, mean age of 40 years, retired or unemployed. Most frequent cause of spinal cord injury was car accident, followed by firearm and falls. The thoracic segment was more commonly affected, with prevalence of incomplete injuries. Neuropathic pain onset was predominantly within six months after spinal cord injury. Pharmacological treatment was the most cited and considered very effective by 70% of those who use it. Cold and immobility were the most common factors worsening pain; physical activity and leisure were factors improving pain. Mood and general activities were those influenced the most by neuropathic pain.
CONCLUSION:
Spinal cord trauma injury dramatically changes patients’ lives, generating disastrous consequences for those suffering the injury, their families and for society. In this series, most patients were young males, victims of car accidents and with neuropathic pain negatively impacting mood and general activities.
Keywords:
Neuropathic pain; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury
