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

ObjectiveTo 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.MethodsThe 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].ResultsThe 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 s...