Neuropathic Pain in Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Association with Rehabilitation Outcomes and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain contributes significantly to the morbidity and affects the quality of life adversely in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). OBJECTIVE: To study neuropathic pain profile in GBS and association with rehabilitation outcomes and effect on the quality of life. METHODS: Observational study conducted in rehabilitation setting of a tertiary care hospital among adult GBS patients of less than 3 months duration. Assessment was done at the time of admission and discharge with Pain-detect questionnaire (PD-Q), Neuropathic pain scale (NPS), SF 36 survey, Medical Research Council (MRC) score, INCAT sensory sum score (ISS), Overall Disability sum-score (ODSS), Hughes disability score (HDS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), and Fatigue Severity scale (FSS). Neuropathic pain was managed as per routine protocol and rehabilitation program was individualized. RESULTS: 32 participants (26 males) with median age of 34.50 years were included. Eighteen (56.25%) patients had neuropathic pain on PD-Q at admission. The median intensity of pain on NPS scale was 47 at admission which decreased significantly to 14 at discharge. Pain group showed significant association with sensory impairment, CSF protein, and emotional domains of QOL while no association with disability. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain is associated with sensory impairment in GBS and markedly affects the quality of life, especially emotional, family, and social activities.