Features of persistent neuropathic pain caused by a surgical procedure:
(1) The onset of pain or discomfort after surgery.
(2) The duration of pain and/or discomfort is >= 3 months.
(3) The pain shows clinical features of neuropathic nerve injury.
General features of neuropathic pain:
(1) Pain is present in a neuroanatomically defined area corresponding to the distribution of a nerve.
(2) There is partial or complete sensory loss in the area.
(3) The pain may be spontaneous without inciting cause.
Features often present with neuropathic pain:
(1) A motor deficit in the territory of the damaged nerve.
(2) Allodynia (triggering of pain by cold, light touch or other innocuous stimulus).
(3) Hyperalgesia (exaggerated response to a noxious stimulus), except to heat.
(4) Hyperpathia (abnormal pain that outlasts the stimulus).
(5) After sensations.
(6) Paroxysms of pain.
(7) Burning pain.
Uncommon features in neuropathic pain:
(1) Heat hyperalgesia
(2) Throbbing pain.
