High prevalence of neuropathic pain in the hand of patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury: a cross-sectional study

Alta prevalência de dor neuropática em sujeitos com lesão traumática do plexo braquial: um estudo de corte transversal

ABSTRACT

Objective

To describe the pain profile of patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury.

Methods

We enrolled 65 patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. The Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire was used to classify pain and the SF-36 was used to evaluate quality of life.

Results

The patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury were predominantly young male victims of motorcycle accidents. Pain was present in 75.4% of the individuals and 79% presented with neuropathic pain, mostly located in the hands (30.41%). The use of auxiliary devices (p = 0.05) and marital status (p = 0.03) were both independent predictors of pain. Pain also impacted negatively on the quality of life (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Pain is frequent in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. Despite the peripheral nervous system injury, nociceptive pain is not unusual. Pain evaluation, including validated instruments, is essential to guide optimal clinical management of patients with the condition.

brachial plexus; nociceptive pain; pain; peripheral nerve injuries