A Comparison of the DN4 and LANSS Questionnaires in the Assessment of Neuropathic Pain: Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of DN4

A screening tool that quickly and correctly differentiates neuropathic pain from non-neuropathic pain is essential. Although there are many screening tools in the assessment of neuropathic pain, many physicians still have the problem of not being able to identify their neuropathic pain patients easily. In this study, we assessed the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the Turkish version of DN4 questionnaire. Within the same group of patients, we also compared the DN4 with the LANSS questionnaire. A total of 180 patients (n = 121 with neuropathic pain and n = 59 with non-neuropathic pain characteristics) were enrolled. In our study population, peripheral origin of neuropathic pain, mainly radiculopathies and polyneuropathies, dominated. The reliability and validity of Turkish version of DN4 were found to be high. The sensitivities of the DN4 and the LANSS were 95% and 70.2%, respectively. The specificity of both tests was 96.6%. The strengths and weaknesses of these questionnaires are discussed.PerspectiveThe Turkish version of DN4 questionnaire is reliable and valid. It is also an easier, quicker, and more sensitive screening tool (1-minute test) compared with the Turkish version of LANSS questionnaire. These features of the DN4 may help clinicians to identify their neuropathic pain patients accurately in daily clinical practice and research studies.