LANSS

What is it about?

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating problem which often requires specific management. The LANSS App is designed to help clinician’s identify patients in whom neuropathic mechanisms dominate their pain experience. The App is a digital version of the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) Pain Scale which was developed by Dr Michael Bennett. The LANSS Pain Scale is based on analysis of sensory description and bedside examination of sensory dysfunction, and provides immediate information in clinical settings (Bennett, 2001 Pain 92: 147-157). It was developed in two populations of chronic pain patients. In the first (n=60), the use of sensory descriptors and questions were compared in patients with nociceptive and neuropathic pain, combined with an assessment of sensory function. This data was used to derive a seven item pain scale, consisting of grouped sensory description and sensory examination with a simple scoring system. The LANSS Pain Scale was validated in a second group of patients (n=40) by assessing discriminant ability, internal consistency and agreement by independent raters. For further reading regarding the research evidence for the LANSS App, visit the BIBLIOGRAPHY page