Evaluation and Clinical Significance of Central Sensitization with Questionnaires in Outpatients

Abstract

Central sensitization is a neurophysiological concept originally associated with pain, and physiological tests such as quantitative sensory testing (QST) are appropriate for its evaluation. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is a questionnaire used to assess central sensitization. This questionnaire correlates with physiological tests such as QST and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and contributes to the efficient assessment of central sensitization. In our study, the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8) was also a useful questionnaire for screening central sensitization. For patients with conditions that cannot be adequately explained medically through organic testing, questionnaires can be used to explain the condition and offer hope. However, questionnaires are subjective and thus have drawbacks, such as the influence of bias and difficulty in distinguishing between the condition of the patient and other related conditions. Although care for conditions associated with central sensitization is still under development, it is important to use questionnaires effectively, considering their potential and limitations.