DN4 Questionnaire

Instructions for use

When a healthcare professional suspects neuropathic pain, the DN4 Questionnaire is useful.

 

The questionnaire consists of 7 items for interviewing the patient and 3 items for clinical examination. These 10 items are grouped into 4 questions.

 

The questionnaire is carried out by a healthcare professional:

  • Questions 1 and 2 (7 items): the healthcare professional interviews the patient and fills out the questionnaire.
  • Questions 3 and 4 (3 items): from the clinical examination, the practitioner fills in the data.

Patient interview

Question 1

Does the pain have one or more of the following characteristics?

1. Burning
2. Painful cold sensation
3. Electric shocks

Patient interview

Question 2

Is the pain associated with one or more of the following symptoms in the same area?

4. Pins and needles
5. Tingling
6. Numbness
7. Itching

Examination of the patient

Question 3

Is the pain located in an area where the physical examination may reveal one or more of the following characteristics:

8. Hypoesthesia to touch
9. Hypoesthesia to prick

Examination of the patient

Question 4

In the painful area, can the pain be caused or increased by:

10. Brushing?

Reference: 1. Bouhassira D, et al. Pain. 2004;108(3):248–57.

Test result

Instructions for use

  • The number of positive responses gives the patient score, out of 10
  • If the patient score is equal or greater to 4/10, the test is positive (sensitivity 82.9%; specificity 89.9%)

Patient score:

8/10

Positive result
KKI/INT/KKI/0324