Proposed International Spinal Cord Injury Pain (ISCIP) Classification: Preliminary Validation Data

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2012 · DOI: 10.1310/sci1802-143 · Published: January 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

An international group created a standard way to classify pain after spinal cord injury called the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain (ISCIP) classification. This study checked how well different doctors and therapists agreed when using the ISCIP classification after only a small amount of training. The study found that people were generally confident in using the ISCIP system, but some types of pain were harder to classify than others.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

56 physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Respondents showed high confidence in identifying the number of pain components, with an average correctness of 86%.
2
Classifying certain pain subtypes, such as autonomic dysreflexia headache and abdominal pain after SCI, proved challenging.
3
Misclassification occurred in at-level SCI pain in the setting of cauda equina injury as below-level SCI pain.

Research Summary

This study assessed the reliability of the ISCIP classification among clinicians with minimal training, using clinical vignettes. The results showed moderate reliability, with some pain subtypes being more difficult to classify than others. The authors suggest further testing with real patients and clarification of the classification's instructional manual.

Practical Implications

Training Improvement

More detailed training on the ISCIP classification is needed, especially for atypical pain presentations.

Classification Refinement

The ISCIP classification manual should be updated to provide clearer guidance on classifying complex and less common pain subtypes.

Real-World Validation

The ISCIP classification needs to be tested with real patients to ensure its applicability and reliability in clinical practice.

Proposed International Spinal Cord Injury Pain (ISCIP) Classification: Preliminary Validation Data

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Training Improvement

Classification Refinement

Real-World Validation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Proposed International Spinal Cord Injury Pain (ISCIP) Classification: Preliminary Validation Data

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Training Improvement

Classification Refinement

Real-World Validation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?