Research Article

Correlation of the neuropathic pain and electrodiagnostic tests in earthquake-related peripheral nerve injuries

Volume: 64 Number: 2 June 10, 2025
TR EN

Correlation of the neuropathic pain and electrodiagnostic tests in earthquake-related peripheral nerve injuries

Abstract

Aim: Peripheral nerve injury resulting from being buried under earthquake-related debris can lead to neuropathic pain. This study investigates the relationship between neuropathic pain and electrodiagnostic test findings in patients with peripheral nerve lesions caused by entrapment under debris. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients who developed peripheral nerve lesions due to entrapment under debris during the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes in February 2023. Abnormalities in compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) and compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) were categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Results: 62 (34 female, 28 male) patients were included in this study. The mean (min-max) disease duration, time under debris, and Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) scores were 59.4 ± 37.1 (21-180) days, 22.6 ± 29.7 (0.5-130) hours, and 4.9 ± 1.7 (1-9), respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the number of severe CNAP/CMAP abnormalities and DN4 scores (p=0.024, r=0.287/ p=0.003, r=0.371). Patients with severe CMAP abnormalities in at least one or at least two nerves had higher DN4 scores compared to those without (p=0.039/p=0.009). Conclusion: This study highlights a relationship between neuropathic pain and severe CNAP/CMAP abnormalities in patients with peripheral nerve lesions due to entrapment under debris.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 10, 2025

Submission Date

November 13, 2024

Acceptance Date

January 16, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 64 Number: 2

Vancouver
1.Metin Balduz, Halit Fidancı. Correlation of the neuropathic pain and electrodiagnostic tests in earthquake-related peripheral nerve injuries. EJM. 2025 Jun. 1;64(2):201-8. doi:10.19161/etd.1585024

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