Abstract
BackgroundNeuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous painful symptoms. Medical therapies include the use of a capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza®, Grünenthal Gmbh, Germany), and patients may experience a sharp burning sensation at application and removal of the patch. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of playing a standardized hypnosis recording during application, on the pain and anxiety induced by capsaicin treatment.MethodsIn a randomized, controlled trial, we assessed the benefits of the intervention firstly on pain and secondly on anxiety, as measured using numerical rating scales. All patients had application of the capsaicin patch, including the possibility for the patient to apply a cold patch. Participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, namely the “Standard group” (no intervention), “Hypnosis group”, in which a standardized hypnotic message was played during application, or the “Music group” in which relaxing music was played during application of the patch.ResultsSixty-nine patients were included. Overall, there was no significant difference in pain scores between groups (p = 0.355). Compared to standard application, anxiety was significantly lower in the hypnosis group after application (p = 0.007), with no significant difference between the standard and music arms (p = 0.271), or between the hypnosis and music arms (p = 0.423).ConclusionsListening to a standardized hypnotic message during application of a capsaicin patch was found to significantly lower anxiety. These findings indicate that the use of a hypnotic message can reduce discomfort and warrant its evaluation in other indications of pain or anxiety during treatment procedures.Trial registrationNCT02822625.
Highlights
Neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous painful symptoms
The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of playing a standardized hypnosis recording during application of an 8% capsaicin patch, firstly on the pain induced by capsaicin treatment, and secondly, on the anxiety felt during application of the patch
Participants were randomly assigned between the following groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: (1) application of the capsaicin patch according to standard procedure, which includes the possibility for the patient to apply a cold patch on the affected zone (Standard group); (2) application of the capsaicin patch according to the standard procedure, while at the same time playing a recording of a standardized hypnotic message (Hypnosis group); and (3) application of the capsaicin patch according to the standard procedure, accompanied by relaxing music (Music group)
Summary
Neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous painful symptoms. Medical therapies include the use of a capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza®, Grünenthal Gmbh, Germany), and patients may experience a sharp burning sensation at application and removal of the patch. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines neuropathic pain (NP) as “pain that arises as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system”. Medical therapies include the use of local topical applications such as 5% lidocaine, plasters or an 8% capsaicin patch (Qutenza®, Grünenthal Gmbh, Germany) [3]. The capsaicin patch is indicated in association with other antalgic agents in the management of peripheral NP that is localized, assessable and restricted to a limited area, in non-diabetic adults
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
