• Michele Sterling and Ashley Pedler.
• Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Queensland, Mayne Medical School, Herston, QLD, Australia. m.sterling@uq.edu.au
• Man Ther. 2009 Apr 1;14(2):173-9.

AbstractWhiplash 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-LANSS0.09). 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.

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