Symptoms Of Central Sensitization Research Articles

Dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the Finnish version of the pain catastrophizing scale in chronic low back pain.

The 13-item pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) is the most commonly used measure of pain catastrophizing. A validated Finnish version of the PCS has previously been unavailable. The objectives were to translate the original English version of the PCS into Finnish (PCS-FI), then to evaluate (i) structural validity of the PCS-FI with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), (ii) internal reliability with Cronbach's alpha, Omega, and Omega hierarchical, (iii) convergent validity with measures of well-being, quality of life, sleep quality, symptoms of central sensitization, and anxiety, and (iv) known-groups validity between participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and pain-free controls. The translation process was performed with established guidelines. The PCS-FI was psychometrically validated using 92 participants with CLBP and 53 pain-free controls. Structural validity with CFA supported a bifactor solution. However, low reliability was found for the three specific factors (ω h ranging from 0.14 to 0.18) compared to the general factor (ω h = 0.88) suggesting that only the total score should be used. Convergent validity analysis showed satisfactory correlations and medium effect sizes with the other patient-reported outcome measures. Participants with CLBP had significantly higher total PCS-FI scores than pain-free controls. The PCS-FI appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing pain-related catastrophizing in Finnish-speaking populations. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Northern Savo Hospital District, identification number 2131/2022, on the 31st of January 2022.

Pain medication tapering for patients with Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II, treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation: A RCT-study protocol of the PIANISSIMO study.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may provide pain relief in patients with therapy-refractory Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II (PSPS-T2). Despite the evidence that SCS can reduce disability and reduce pain medication usage, only 25% of the patients is able to completely omit pain medication usage after 12 months of SCS. To tackle the high burden of patients who consume a lot of pain medication, tapering programs could be initiated before starting a trajectory with SCS. The current objective is to examine whether a pain medication tapering program before SCS alters disability in PSPS-T2 patients compared to no tapering program. A three-arm, parallel-group multicenter randomized controlled trial will be conducted including 195 patients who will be randomized (1:1:1) to either (a) a standardized pain medication tapering program, (b) a personalized pain medication tapering program, or (c) no tapering program before SCS implantation, all with a follow-up period until 12 months after implantation. The primary outcome is disability. The secondary outcomes are pain intensity, health-related quality of life, participation, domains affected by substance use, anxiety and depression, medication usage, psychological constructs, sleep, symptoms of central sensitization, and healthcare expenditure. Within the PIANISSIMO project we propose a way to reduce the risks of adverse events, medication-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance, and dependence by providing pain medication tapering before SCS. Due to the lack of a commonly accepted in-hospital tapering approach, two different tapering programs will be evaluated in this study. If pain medication tapering programs are deemed to be more effective than no tapering on disability, this would add to the evidence towards an improved patient-centered care model in this patient group and set a clear path to advocate for pain medication tapering before SCS as the new standard treatment guideline for these patients. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05861609. Registered on May 17, 2023.

Sensory Profiles Predict Symptoms of Central Sensitization in Low Back Pain: A Predictive Model Research Study.

Background: Acute low back pain has a high prevalence, and when persisting into chronicity, it results in enormous socio-economic consequences. Sensory preferences may be key factors in predicting central sensitization as the main mechanism of nociplastic pain and chronicity. Objectives: Build a model to predict central sensitization symptoms using sensory profiles based on the PROGRESS framework. Methods: A Prognostic Model Research study was carried out to predict central sensitization symptoms at 12 weeks, using baseline sensory profiles, based on 114 patients with acute low back pain. Independent variables were sensory profiles, state and trait anxiety, age, duration, pain severity, depressive symptoms, and pain catastrophizing. Results: This model, based on continuous data, significantly predicts central sensitization symptoms at 12 weeks. It contains two significantly contributing variables: sensory profile Sensory Sensitive (unstandardized B-value = 0.42; p = 0.01) and trait anxiety (unstandardized B-value = 0.53; p ≤ 0.001). The model has a predictive value of R2 = 0.38. Conclusions: This model significantly predicts central sensitization symptoms based on sensory profile Sensory Sensitive and trait anxiety. This model may be a useful tool to intervene in a bottom-up and top-down approaches to prevent chronicity in clinical practice, including individual sensory preferences and behavioral responses to sensory stimulation in rehabilitation strategies.

Central sensitization symptoms in vulvodynia: exploring the role of temperament, personality traits, childhood adverse events, defense mechanisms, and mental pain on quality of life.

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by persistent vulvar pain, occurring without clinically identifiable disorders. Central sensitization (CS) is suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of vulvodynia, as for other nociplastic pain conditions. This study delves into the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and CS burden in women with vulvodynia, aiming to identify potential predictors (temperament, personality traits, childhood adverse events, defense mechanisms, and mental pain) and understand their impact on quality of life (QoL). A cohort-based cross-sectional web survey of 357 women with vulvodynia. Outcomes included 8 self-report measures to assess the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and psychological variables, including sensory processing sensitivity, traumatic experiences, personality traits, defense mechanisms, and mental pain. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted in study 1, revealing that the following predicted higher CSI scores in women with vulvodynia: higher emotional overexcitability, decreased low sensory threshold, increased bodily threat experiences, elevated psychoticism, greater use of immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, and heightened mental pain. The final regression model identified the following as the strongest predictors of CS: low sensory threshold (β = 0.316), bodily threat experiences (β = 0.145), neurotic defenses (β = 0.210), and mental pain (β = 0.269). In study 2, the model presented interactions among these psychological factors in predicting CSI values explaining 48.9% of the variance in CS, 30.3% in psychological QoL, and 57.1% in physical QoL. This model opens discussion for tailored psychological interventions aimed to improve overall QoL in women with vulvodynia. Strengths of the study include innovative insights into the interplay between psychological variables and the construct of CS and quality of life. As a limitation, the research was conducted as a cross-sectional study with self-reported measures. The study calls for comprehensive assessments that consider physical and mental aspects, paving the way for holistic health care approaches in the management of vulvodynia.

Sex Differences in the Expression of Central Sensitization Symptoms in Migraine: An Observational Study.

Background: Migraine is the fourth most common cause of disability in women and the eighth most common cause in men. Central sensitization phenomena predispose to chronic migraine and are generally more pronounced in women. Objective: The aim of this retrospective observational study was to look for sex differences in a population of migraine subjects attending a tertiary headache center, focusing on symptoms of central sensitization such as allodynia and pericranial tenderness. Methods: This study is based on data collected at a tertiary headache center between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. The clinical interview included the main features of migraine, allodynia, a disability questionnaire, the pericranial tenderness score, and anxiety and depression scales. Results: We selected a total of 1,087 migraine subjects (233 men). Osmophobia predominated in women, as did nausea. Disability scores, headache intensity, allodynia, anxiety, and depression predominated in women, without menopausal age playing a role. The frequency of symptomatic medication use was similar in both sexes. Allodynia score was the largest discriminating factor between women and men. Conclusions: Women with migraine are more likely than men to report acute allodynia, nausea, and osmophobia and are also more likely to be anxious, depressed, and disabled. These features appear to be independent of fertile age and are probably related to sex-specific genetic characteristics. These symptoms represent a tendency toward sensory hypersensitivity and central sensitization that should be carefully assessed in both women and men with migraine with a view to possibly predicting chronic development.

Occupational low back pain among Japanese caregivers: A large-scale cross-sectional study.

Caregivers in Japan experience a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP), with age, sex, individual pain experiences, and central sensitization symptoms potentially influencing its chronic progression. To determine the prevalence of LBP among caregivers, as well as its relation to age and sex, and explore work status, psychological factors, and central sensitization symptoms as contributing factors to chronic LBP (CLBP). A large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1214 caregivers in 35 geriatric healthcare facilities. The survey assessed LBP and CLBP prevalence, work status, psychological factors, and central sensitization-related symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing CLBP. Among 936 valid respondents, the LBP prevalence was 69.2%. No significant sex differences were found in the prevalence of LBP and CLBP. Old age, higher pain severity, and severe symptoms related to central sensitization increased the risk of CLBP. However, work status and psychological factors did not significantly contribute to CLBP. There is a high prevalence of LBP among caregivers, age and individual pain experience significantly impact CLBP. These findings emphasize the need for therapeutic strategies to manage pain intensity, especially in the acute phase, to prevent the progression to chronicity.

Associations between pain intensity, pain sensitivity, demographics, psychological factors, disability, physical activity, pain phenotype and COVID-19 history in low back pain: An observational study.

Knowledge of the factors affecting pain intensity and pain sensitivity can inform treatment targets and strategies aimed at personalizing the intervention, conceivably increasing its positive impact on patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between demographic factors (sex and age), body mass index (BMI), psychological factors (anxiety and depression, kinesiophobia and catastrophizing), self-reported physical activity, pain phenotype (symptoms of central sensitization, and nociceptive or neuropathic pain), history of COVID-19 and pain intensity and sensitivity in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis with 83 participants with chronic non-specific LBP recruited from the community between August 2021 and April 2022. BMI, pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), pain sensitivity at the lower back and at a distant point [pressure pain threshold], catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), pain phenotype (Central Sensitization Inventory and PainDetect Questionnaire), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) were assessed. Multiple linear regression analyses with pain intensity and sensitivity as the dependent variables were used. The model for pain intensity explained 34% of its variance (Adjusted R2=-0.343, p<0.001), with depression and anxiety (p=0.008) and disability (p=0.035) reaching statistical significance. The model for pain sensitivity at the lower back, also explained 34% of its variance (Adjusted R2=0.344, p<0.001) at the lower back with sex, BMI, and kinesiophobia reaching statistical significance (p<0.05) and 15% of the variance at a distant body site (Adjusted R2=0.148, p=0.018) with sex and BMI reaching statistical significance (p<0.05). This study found that different factors are associated with pain intensity and pain sensitivity in individuals with LBP. Increased pain intensity was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression and disability and increased pain sensitivity was associated with being a female, higher kinesiophobia, and lower BMI.

Injuries and Persistent Pain in Elite Adolescent Archery Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study.

This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of injuries among young archers engaged in high-intensity training during the European Youth Championship. A total of 200 participants (104 males/96 females) from 34 countries were included, with a mean age of 16.9 years and average competitive experience of 6.5 years. Structured questionnaires, administered by four physiotherapist interviewers, gathered comprehensive data. Results revealed that 43.5% of participants experienced shoulder pain during training, highlighting the vulnerability of upper limbs in archers. Additionally, 30% required medications to facilitate training, underscoring the impact of injuries on continued participation. Physiotherapy was utilized by 52.3% of participants, emphasizing the need for therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, 31.8% had to cease training due to injuries, indicating a substantial hindrance to athletic progression. The mean pain duration was 3.9 months, with an average intensity of 5.94, and 8% exhibited symptoms of central sensitization. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a noteworthy prevalence of injuries, particularly in the upper limbs, among young archers undergoing intensive training. The findings underscore the importance of targeted injury prevention strategies and comprehensive rehabilitation approaches to ensure the well-being and sustained participation of young athletes in competitive archery.

Long COVID: Clinical features and multidisciplinary approach

Although most of the patients affected by COVID-19 recover their health and return to their previous situation, some of them present symptoms that can last a long time after the acute illness. The main objective of this study is to assess the correlation between symptoms of long COVID and symptoms of central sensitization. Secondarily, it will try to describe the symptoms of long COVID and its correlation with alexithymia and depression. MethodsProspective observational study in real clinical conditions. Include consecutively those patients who present long COVID and complete multidisciplinary evaluation by a somatic specialist and a psychiatrist, together with a battery of questionnaires. ResultsThe profile we found corresponds to a woman, in the middle of her fifth decade of life, with higher education and working, who passed the SARS-CoV-2 infection 1 year earlier, without requiring hospitalization and with a severe depressive disorder and alexithymia. We found an intermediate correlation (rho .665; p < .01) between central sensitization questionnaire and the sum of symptoms of long COVID, as well as between the sum of symptoms presented and depression (rho .467; p < .01) and not between the sum of symptoms and alexithymia (rho .151; p = .359). ConclusionsSensitization phenomena seem to be of notable importance in the symptoms of long COVID and present a symptomatic constellation characterized by fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. Patients with persistent COVID present more severe depressive symptoms than they are capable of perceiving o express.

Online Exercise Programs for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Reveals Comparable Effects of Global, Local, and Combined Approaches.

Specific neck exercises are recommended in the rehabilitation of chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP). They are unfortunately often accompanied by acute pain flare-ups. Global exercises might be a beneficial addition, as they activate endogenous analgesia without overloading painful structures. However, it is still unclear which type of exercise is most effective. This randomized controlled trial was done to evaluate the effect of an online blended program of global and specific neck exercises, compared to programs including only 1 of both types of exercise. Forty-eight patients with CNNP were randomized into 3 groups. Online questionnaires were collected at baseline, at midtreatment, immediately after treatment, and at the 3-month follow-up. Quantitative sensory testing and actigraphy were assessed at baseline and after treatment. Linear mixed-model analyses were performed to evaluate treatment effects within and between groups. Neck pain-related disability after treatment was considered the primary outcome. No time × treatment interaction effects were found. All groups improved in neck pain-related disability, pain intensity, self-reported symptoms of central sensitization, local pain sensitivity, physical activity, and pain medication use. No effects were found on quality of life, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, stress, widespread pain sensitivity, health economics, or actigraphy measurements. A higher global perceived effect was reported after performing the blended program, compared to the other groups. A blended exercise program was not superior to the stand-alone programs in reducing disability. Nevertheless, the global perceived effect of this type of exercise was higher. Future research necessitates larger sample sizes to adequately explore the optimal type of exercise for patients with CNNP. Exercise therapy should be an important part of the rehabilitation of patients with CNNP, regardless of the type of exercise.

Predictors of improvement in community adolescents with chronic neck pain: A secondary analysis using different improvement criteria.

Interventions based on pain neuroscience education and exercise have emerged as effective in the management of chronic neck pain in adolescents. No studies have explored factors that might be associated with recovery in adolescents with neck pain. To explore predictors of improvement after an intervention based on exercise and pain neuroscience education. Secondary analysis of a randomized trial. Community. 127 community adolescents with neck pain. Blended-learning intervention based on exercise and pain neuroscience education. A set of variables including sociodemographic data, pain characteristics, physical activity, disability, sleep, catastrophizing, fear of movement, self-efficacy, symptoms of central sensitization, knowledge of pain neuroscience, pressure pain thresholds, and neck muscles endurance were used to predict a clinical response at 1 week after intervention and at 6-month follow-up. Different predictors of improvement and non-improvement to intervention were found, but common predictors were not found for all the improvement criteria explored and time points. These findings suggest that using different criteria to characterize adolescents with neck pain as improved and non-improved after pain neuroscience education and exercise have an effect on the variables associated with a response to the intervention.

PaiNEd app. Assessing central sensitization in survivors of breast cancer: A reliability study.

Pain is a common adverse event in survivors of breast cancer (sBCs). As there is no gold standard to assess pain experience predominantly related to central sensitization (CS) symptoms, we designed the PaiNEd app, which includes an algorithm to report whether patients are under predominant CS pain mechanisms. We aimed to assess the reliability of the PaiNEd app to estimate whether sBC pain experience is predominantly related to CS symptoms. An observational, descriptive reliability design was employed to assess the inter- and intrarater reliability of the PaiNEd app. This app includes an algorithm that considers the number of painful body parts and some questionnaires related to pain, such as the Numeric Pain-Rating Scale, the Brief Pain Inventory, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). A total of 21 sBCs with persistent pain were recruited. We observe a general trend of close agreement between the paper-based and app-based formats (ICCs ranged between 0.802 and 0.972; Cronbach's alpha ranged between 0.797 and 0.971). Test-retest reliabilities were moderate to excellent (ICCs ranged between 0.510 and 0.941; Cronbach's alpha ranged between 0.499 and 0.938). The agreement between the categorization of the CS algorithm and the CSI (cut-off point ≥ 40 for CS symptoms) was 95.24%. The PaiNEd app emerges as a robust tool for evaluating pain experience predominantly related to CS and pain-related symptoms in sBCs. Its demonstrated reliability not only bolsters its utility but also signifies its potential as a valuable asset for healthcare professionals engaged in pain education programs.

Black box in overactive bladder: Central sensitization and its relationship with urinary symptom severity and quality of life.

To examine central sensitization (CS), and to investigate the relationship between CS, and urinary symptom severity, and quality of life (QoL) in women with overactive bladder (OAB). A total of 144 women with OAB included the study. CS with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), urinary symptom with the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Version 8 (OAB-V8), bladder diary and Patients' Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS) and QoL with the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were assessed. It was found that 47.9% (n = 69) of women with OAB had CS. It was observed that the CSI score was related to the OAB-V8 score (ρ = 0.327; p < 0.001) and the average number of voids/day (ρ = 0.291; p < 0.001). Additionally, urgency severity was higher in women with OAB with CS than in women with OAB without CS (p = 0.006). There was a relationship between the CSI score and KHQ-incontinence impact (ρ = 0.250; p = 0.012), KHQ-personal relationship (ρ = 0.253; p = 0.002), KHQ-sleep/energy (ρ = 0.180; p = 0.031), KHQ-emotional state (ρ = 0.310; p < 0.001) and KHQ-severity measurement scores (ρ = 0.391; p < 0.001). In this study, it was observed that the majority of women with OAB had CS. It was found that more severe symptoms of CS were associated with worse urinary symptom severity and QoL in these patients. It may be beneficial to evaluate CS in the management of OAB and to consider CS when determining treatment strategies.

Association between central sensitivity syndrome and psychophysical factors in patients with masticatory myofascial pain.

This study explored the relationship between central sensitization symptoms, assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), and psychophysical factors in patients with chronic masticatory myofascial pain (MMP) transitioning from the acute to chronic stages. In this study, 23 patients with MMP and 22 healthy volunteers were assessed using psychophysical tests, including measurements of pressure pain threshold (PPT) and temporal summation of pain (TSP). Additionally, CSI scores were recorded to evaluate central sensitization symptoms. Patients with chronic MMP showed significantly lower PPT in all masticatory muscles and extratrigeminal areas compared with controls. However, there was no significant correlation between CSI scores and psychophysical test results in patients with MMP. The significant enhancement of TSP in patients with subchronic MMP suggests a potential role in the onset of myofascial pain. The main finding suggests that sub-chronic symptom patients show higher CSI scores despite no sensory testing changes, indicating that central sensitization possibly precedes observable symptoms.

Features of fibromyalgia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To determine the features of fibromyalgia (FM) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventy-six patients participated in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: RA+FM (n=55), FM (n=21). Anamnesis of life and disease was carefully collected in all patients. The intensity (according to VAS) and phenotype (Pain DETECT, DN4) of pain syndrome (PS), the presence of symptoms of central sensitization (CSI), fatigue (FSS), signs of anxiety and depression (HADS), sleep quality (PSQI), cognitive functions (DSST) and quality of life (QoL) (EQ-5D, FIQR) were also evaluated. The average age of patients in the FM group was significantly lower (42 [35; 53] vs. 50 [42.5; 59], p=0.042). Patients with «pure» FM without RA were more often divorced and had no children (p=0.045 and p=0.02, respectively). The duration of PS in the groups did not differ (11 [7; 17] vs. 8 [5; 13] years, p=0.429), however, patients with «pure» FM waited longer for diagnosis (115 [40; 198] vs. 20 [5.5; 59] months, p<0.001), and they also were less likely to be recognized as disabled (p=0.003). Patients of both groups had equally severe fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and cognitive functions compared to the norms. Patients of the FM group noted a lower QoL (according to EQ-5D, p=0.041) then in RA+FM group, despite the comparable severity of FM and the intensity of the PS in both groups. FM in patients with RA develops at a later age compared to «pure» FM. The clinical picture of FM with and without RA does not differ in the main manifestations, however, the QoL of patients with «pure» FM is lower. Accounting for fibromyalgia in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases can significantly improve the QoL of patients.

Association between central sensitization, pain sensitivity and balance control in patients with migraine.

Balance alterations are prevalent among pain conditions, including migraine. The mechanisms explaining the association between pain and balance are unclear, as well as whether levels of pain sensitivity correlate with impaired balance. Our aim was therefore to investigate the association between balance, central sensitization symptoms and pain sensitivity in patients with migraine. This cross-sectional study included 50 patients and demographic, clinical information, central sensitization inventory (CSI) and pain catastrophizing (PCS) scores were obtained. Patients underwent a standardized protocol evaluating balance and pain thresholds for cold (CPT), heat (HPT), mechanical (MPT) and pressure (PPT) in trigeminal (V1) and extra-trigeminal (C6) dermatomes. Data were analysed using Person's correlation, linear regression models and contrasting the presence and absence of central sensitization symptoms through T-tests. Mild-to-moderate correlations were observed between balance and MPT in V1 (r = -0.24, p = 0.046) and C6 (r = -0.41, p = 0.002), CPT in V1 (r = 0.31, p = 0.026), CSI scores (r = 0.27, p = 0.029) and migraine frequency (r = 0.25, p = 0.040). Balance was explained by CPT and MPT (R2 = 0.32, p = 0.001). The variance of CSI was explained by PCS scores and balance (R2 = 0.28, p = 0.001). Patients with symptoms of central sensitization presented an increased balance impairment (p = 0.044) and higher catastrophizing levels (p = 0.001) in contrast to patients without symptoms. Balance impairment is associated with reduced pain thresholds and higher CSI scores. These results may help to elucidate the aetiology of balance alterations among chronic pain conditions. For the first time, it has been shown that balance alterations can reflect greater pain sensitivity and signs of central sensitization in patients with migraine. This opens up perspectives for future studies to understand the mechanisms and further factors associated with balance and pain sensitivity in migraine.

To what degree patient-reported symptoms of central sensitization, kinesiophobia, disability, sleep, and life quality associated with 24-h heart rate variability and actigraphy measurements?

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activity in the autonomic nervous system. The objective of this study was to determine the associations between objective measures of heart rate variability (a measure of autonomic nervous system function), actigraphy (a measure of activity and sleep quality), respiration rates, and subjective patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of central sensitization, kinesiophobia, disability, the effect of pain on sleep, and life quality. Thirty-eight study subjects were divided into two subgroups, including low symptoms of central sensitization (n = 18) and high symptoms of central sensitization (n = 20), based on patient-reported scores on the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Heart rate variability (HRV) and actigraphy measurements were carried out simultaneously in 24 h measurement during wakefulness and sleep. A decrease in HRV during the first 2 h of sleep was stronger in the low CSI subgroup compared to the high CSI subgroup. Otherwise, all other HRV and actigraphy parameters and subjective measures of central sensitization, disability, kinesiophobia, the effect of pain on sleep, and quality of life showed only little associations. The high CSI subgroup reported significantly more severe symptoms of disability, kinesiophobia, sleep, and quality of life compared to the low CSI subgroup. However, there were only small and nonsignificant trend in increased sympathetic nervous system activity and poorer sleep quality on the high central sensitization subgroup. Moreover, very little differences in respiratory rates were found between the groups.

Do Patients with Chronic Spinal Pain and Comorbid Insomnia Have More Features of Central Sensitization? A Case-Control Study.

Chronic spinal pain (CSP) is a major public health problem worldwide, frequently related to sleep problems. Central sensitization (CS) may worsen the clinical picture of CSP patients with insomnia. The aim of this study was to compare self-reported and objectively measured clinical outcomes between insomniac CSP patients with comorbid insomnia with and without symptoms of CS. A case-control study on baseline self-reported sleep, functioning, and psychological distress through online questionnaires. Objective sleep and physical activity parameters and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed through polysomnography, actigraphy, and digital algometry, respectively. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine possible differences in the outcome measures between the groups. Data from 123 participants were included and revealed no statistically significant group for objective sleep and physical activity parameters. The CS group, however, presented with worse self-reported sleep (quality sleep, insomnia severity, and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep), increased mental and physical fatigue, and higher psychological distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms), and reported lower PPTs. symptoms of CS may influence perceived sleep and affect functional health and well-being perception but do not seem to affect objective sleep and physical activity.

Clinical manifestations and possible predictors of the formation of post-COVID syndrome in neurological practice

Introduction. Studying clinical manifistations and prognostic factors for the development of post-covid syndrome (PCS) remains an actual task for doctors of various specialties.Aim. To study the clinical manifestations and probable predictors of the formation of PCS in neurological practice.Materials and methods. The study included 34 patients aged 18 to 65 years undergoing treatment at the A.Ya. Kozhevnikov Clinic of Nervous Diseases for the underlying disease: tension headaches (GBN), migraine (M), musculoskeletal pain (SMB), who had a documented coronavirus infection (CI) COVID-19. The main group (OG) consisted of 21 patients (average age 47.95 ± 12.21 years), in addition to the manifestations of the underlying disease, complaining of memory impairment, decreased concentration and performance, fatigue, anxiety and internal tension, low mood background and unwillingness to do anything, headache that occurred for the first time during, immediately after the end or within 2 months after the transferred CI, which met the criteria of the PCC. The comparison group (GS) included 13 patients (average age 38 ± 12 years) who complained only about their underlying diseases and did not note any peculiarities in their course due to the transferred CI. In addition to the main research methods, questionnaires were used: fatigue (MFI-20 scale), anxiety (Spielberger – Khanin scale), depression (Beck scale), cognitive impairment (MOCA test), impaired concentration (Munsterberg test), symptoms of central sensitization (CSI), quality of life (SF-36).Results. Clinical manifestations of PKS consisted in mild or subjective cognitive impairment (CN) without a change in concentration and asthenic symptom complex. OG patients were older, had moderate and severe acute period of CI and risks of cardiovascular pathology, statistically significantly differed from HS with higher scores on the scales: Beck depression, Spielberger – Khanin, CSI, MFI-20 and a lower score on the MOCA scale.Conclusions. Possible predictors of the formation of PKS can be: age over 40 years, moderate and severe course of CI, the presence of risks of cardiovascular pathology, depression and increased personal anxiety, higher rates of central sensitization.

Central Sensitization in Psoriatic Arthritis: Relationship With Composite Measures of Disease Activity, Functional Disability, and Health-Related Quality of Life.

To investigate the prevalence of central sensitization (CS) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and its association with disease activity and patient-reported outcome measures. This cross-sectional study included adults with PsA without coexisting fibromyalgia (FM). Patients underwent a clinimetric assessment to collect variables regarding disease activity, quality of life (QOL), functional ability, impact of disease, and CS. Spearman ρ was used to examine the relationship between CS Inventory (CSI) scores and other variables. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent contribution of each variable to the 12-item Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID-12) score. One hundred fifty-seven patients were enrolled. Of them, 45.2% scored a CSI ≥ 40, indicating a high probability of CS. Significant correlations were found between CSI and disease activity, as evaluated by Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis score and Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (ρ 0.587 and ρ 0.573, respectively), between CSI and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (ρ 0.607), and between CSI and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey physical component summary and mental component summary scores (ρ -0.405 and ρ -0.483, respectively). In multivariate analysis, CSI score was the principal independent variable (P < 0.001) contributing to PsAID-12 score. Patients with PsA with symptoms of CS had higher disease activity, worse functional ability, and worse QOL. The presence of CS is the major contributor in the impact of disease.