The Central Sensitization Inventory: modification for tension-type headache, migraine and cervicogenic headache

Objective. To reduce the CSI to optimal list of statements reflecting symptoms of patients with neck pain, TTH, migraine and CGH. Material and methods. The floor and ceiling effects were assessed in 192 patients with headaches. Factor and cluster analysis of shortened CSI, as well as its internal consistency were assessed in 240 patients suffering from neck pain and headaches. Results. The CSI was shortened to 14-item form. This form has a single-factor structure including 4 domains identifying hypersensitivity; muscle tension and pain; fatigue, tiredness and mental impairment; impairment of emotional functions and low stress resistance. It has good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85) and identifies mild (cut-off point ≤24), moderate (cut-off point >24) and severe (cut-off point ≥34) symptoms of central hypersensitivity. Conclusion. The shortened form of the Central Sensitization Inventory can be successfully used in daily practice and clinical trials of patients suffering from neck pain and headache.