Assessment of neuropathic pain in the setting of intervention trials

Optimal assessment of neuropathic pain is crucial for the design and conduct of clinical trials. In recent years, the assessment of neuropathic pain in clinical trials has evolved from crude evaluations of overall pain intensity to a more specific assessment of pain quality and sensory function. Such specific assessment may be relevant to determine sensory profiles of responders to drug or nondrug treatments. This article outlines the various clinical outcome measures currently used in neuropathic pain therapeutic trials with emphasis on their advantages and limitations, and summarizes current recommendations concerning their use in clinical trials of neuropathic pain.