title: Using pain quality assessment measures for selecting analgesic agents.
abstract: Although those in the field of pain management have long recognized the multidimensional character of pain, global pain intensity remains the most frequently assessed domain measured in clinical trials of pain treatments. However, a number of specific pain qualities have been shown to be associated with neuropathic versus nociceptive pain and, as such, can be used for diagnostic purposes. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that pain quality measures may be helpful for measuring outcomes in clinical trials. A number of such measures are currently available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. These measures are reviewed, and potential future uses of these tools are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195-6490, USA. mjensen@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics