Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is a psychophysical assessment of somatosensory system that complements neurological sensory examination. The information derived from QST presents the function of unmyelinated C-fibers, small myelinated Aδ-fibers, and large myelinated Aβ-fibers including their central pathways to the brain. QST may be performed by simple bedside method and by standardized method developed from the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (Deutscher Forschungsverbund Neuropathischer Schmerz, DFNS). The standardized QST makes it possible to subgroup patients with peripheral neuropathic pain of different etiologies according to sensory profiles with emerging evidence showing predictive value of QST for treatment efficacy.

Keywords: Quantitative sensory testing, Neuropathic pain, Sensory profile

DOI: doi.org/10.35755/jmedassocthai.2020.08.10941

Received 17 Dec 2019 | Revised 14 Feb 2020 | Accepted 18 Feb 2020