Multidimensional Assessment of Pain Severity

The pain severity subscale of the multidimensional pain inventory (MPI) (Kerns et al., 1985 (link)) was used to assess overall pain severity on a 0-6 scale. In addition, neuropathic pain symptoms were evaluated using the NPSI (Bouhassira et al., 2004 (link)). Total NPSI scores were obtained by summing all the individual scores for ten questions assessing the presence and severity of (1) spontaneous pain with burning, squeezing, or pressure characteristics; (2) painful attacks with electric shocks or stabbing characteristics; (3) pain provoked or increased by brushing, pressure, or contact with something cold on the painful area; and (4) abnormal sensations including pins and needles, and tingling.