The effect of neuropathic pain on quality of life, depression levels, and sleep quality in patients with combat-related extremity injuries

Abstract

Purpose:There is limited research on the effects of neuropathic pain (NP) on quality of life, depression levels, and sleep quality in patients with combat-related extremity injuries. This study evaluated whether patients with combat-related extremity injuries with and without NP had differences in quality of life, sleep quality, and depression levels. Methods: A total of 98 patients with combat-related extremity injuries, 52 with NP and 46 without, were included in this cross-sectional study. The presence of NP was determined using the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs questionnaire. The outcome measures were a visual analogue scale (VAS), the 36-Item Short Form Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results:The VAS subparameter scores for pain (all P<0.05), PSQI sleep dur ation subscale scores (P=0.025), PSQI sleep disturbance subscale scores (P=0.016), and PSQI total scores (P=0.020) were significantly higher in patients with NP than those without. Logistic regression analysis showed that VAS scores of 5 and above for average pain during the previous 4 weeks contributed independently to the prediction of NP. Conclusions: Patients with combat-related extremity injuries with NP had more pain and poorer sleep quality than those without NP. Sleep quality should be evaluated as part of the diagnostic work-up in patients with combat-related extremity injury with NP, and interventions to improve sleep quality may help manage NP in this patient group.

Social Deprivation is Associated with Increased Pain in Patients Presenting with Neuropathic Pain

“…Neuropathic pain following nerve injury may be debilitating and negatively impact the overall quality of life. 1 Although the management of neuropathic pain remains challenging, active nerve surgical techniques developed over the past two decades have shown to decrease neuropathic pain. One such technique is targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), where a nerve end is coaptated to a terminal motor nerve branch of a muscle that is in close proximity.…”