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Observational Study
. 2013 Nov;22(11):2488-95.
doi: 10.1007/s00586-013-2871-9. Epub 2013 Jun 17.

The prognosis of self-reported paresthesia and weakness in disc-related sciatica

L Grøvle  1 , A J Haugen, B Natvig, J I Brox, M Grotle
Affiliations
Observational Study

The prognosis of self-reported paresthesia and weakness in disc-related sciatica

L Grøvle et al. Eur Spine J. 2013 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore how patients with sciatica rate the 'bothersomeness' of paresthesia (tingling and numbness) and weakness as compared with leg pain during 2 years of follow-up.

Methods: Observational cohort study including 380 patients with sciatica and lumbar disc herniation referred to secondary care. Using the Sciatica Bothersomeness Index paresthesia, weakness and leg pain were rated on a scale from 0 to 6. A symptom score of 4-6 was defined as bothersome.

Results: Along with leg pain, the bothersomeness of paresthesia and weakness both improved during follow-up. Those who received surgery (n = 121) reported larger improvements in both symptoms than did those who were treated without surgery. At 2 years, 18.2% of the patients reported bothersome paresthesia, 16.6% reported bothersome leg pain, and 11.5% reported bothersome weakness. Among patients with no or little leg pain, 6.7% reported bothersome paresthesia and 5.1% bothersome weakness.

Conclusion: During 2 years of follow-up, patients considered paresthesia more bothersome than weakness. At 2 years, the percentage of patients who reported bothersome paresthesia was similar to the percentage who reported bothersome leg pain. Based on patients' self-report, paresthesia and weakness are relevant aspects of disc-related sciatica.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The 2-year course of self-reported leg pain, paresthesia and weakness. Symptom scores range from 0 (not bothersome) to 6 (extremely bothersome)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Self-reported paresthesia during the 2 years according to clinical finding of cutaneous sensibility at baseline. b Self-reported weakness during the 2 years according to clinical finding of paresis at baseline
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Diagram depicting the overlap between bothersome paresthesia, bothersome weakness and bothersome leg pain at 2 years. Numbers are percent
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
a Self-reported paresthesia during the 2 years according to surgical treatment status. b Self-reported weakness during the 2 years according to surgical treatment status
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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