Needle phobia and pain among electrodiagnostic subjects: preliminary survey

Document Type

Article

Department

Internal Medicine (East Africa)

Abstract

Background and aims: Needle phobia, otherwise known as trypanophobia, is seen in at least 10% of the general population. We evaluated the effect of needle phobia on the perceived and actual pain during electrodiagnostic procedures in this study.

Methods: Prospective subjects referred to our electrodiagnostic laboratory between July and August 2020 were interviewed. Demographic data, perceived pain score (using a visual analogue scale) for nerve conduction test (NCT) and electromyography were assessed. Needle phobia score (using a needle phobia scale) was collated and analyzed.

Results: Of the 38 subjects, 24 were male and 14 were females with mean age of 43.11 ± 12.2 and 41.05 ± 16.83 respectively (p = 0.662). The needle phobia score was not different between female (13.25 ± 15.43) and males (17.40 ± 11.63), p = 0.56. The mean perceived pain score for NCT was 4.73 + −2.93 while mean of actual pain score was 4.94 ± 2.33 (p = 0.028). The mean perceived pain score for EMG was 2.69 + −2.24 while mean post score was 4.25 ± 3.31, (p = 0.028). There was a direct correlation between pre and post NCT pain scores (correlation coefficient 0.457, p = 0.007) and pre- EMG and post EMG pain scores (correlation c = 0.558, p = 0.025). Trypanophobia index was positively correlated to the perceived pain but not actual pain on EMG.

Conclusions: Inquiry about needle phobia and treating them may ensure more cooperation and tolerability of electrodiagnostic procedure, especially electromyogram in high-risk subjects.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of the Neurological Science

DOI

10.1016/j.jns.2021.118619

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