Usefulness of nociceptive flexion reflex in the management of chronic pain patients

Abstract

Retrospective analysis of 65 patients with chronic pain syndromes of different origins demonstrated usefulness of the nociceptive flexion reflex measurement in the assessment of spinal nociceptive hypersensitivity in clinical practice. Also, this method makes possible assessment of treatment efficacy.

In our group, the combination of antidepressants with gabapentinoids was most effective in the suppression of nociceptive flexion response. Longitudinal study on a larger group is warranted to confirm and further expand these observations.

Keywords

• nociceptive withdrawal reflex
• nociceptive flexion reflex
• chronic pain
• sensitization
• electromyography