Background & Aims

While multiple assessments have been used as indirect markers for central sensitization, sensitivity to multiple normal daily sensory stimuli (e.g., multisensory sensitivity, MSS) has been proposed as an alternative indicator for altered central nervous system (CNS) processing of sensory input. Recently MSS was found to be a risk factor for chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs).[1-3] However, the vocabulary found in the literature is highly variable (i.e., MSS, somatosensory amplification, sensory over-responsiveness, etc.) potentially hindering effective knowledge transfer and adding confusion to the area of study. Therefore, the primary purpose of this scoping review was to identify terminology used in peer-reviewed literature to refer to MSS-related constructs in studies also evaluating pain or involving a pain population, ultimately to provide a resource and guidance for investigators and clinicians.

Methods

Six health science databases were searched on two dates (11/24/21 & 3/31/23) following PRISMA-ScR and JBI Scoping Review Network guidelines[4, 5]. Inclusion criteria were 1) full-length, peer-reviewed publications, 2) English language, 3) self-report assessment sensitivity to 3+ everyday sensations, and 4) involved pain in some way (e.g., pain population or pain sensitivity assessment). The search string was developed for PubMed, iteratively tested with sentinel papers [1, 6, 7], and translated to Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO+, Embase & Scopus following their controlled vocabularies. Title-abstract screening, and subsequent full-text reviews, were performed by a minimum of 2 investigators. Data extraction included title, author, publication year, journal, population(s) studied, terminology used, and surveys employed. Quantitative analyses were performed to summarize frequencies of all key variables, and a qualitative thematic analysis described the variations in descriptions of MSS.

Results

Of 12,841 papers identified, 213 full-text papers were reviewed, with 88 meeting inclusion criteria. Annual MSS publications increased exponentially over time, from the first in 1988 to 82% published in the last 10 years. MSS terminology consisted of combinations of 7 “core” terms (e.g., sensitivity, over-responsiveness, amplification) and 10 “modifier” terms (e.g., somatosensory, multisensory, sensory), shifting from somatosensory amplification dominating the early literature to variations on multisensory sensitivity more recently. 37 different self-report instruments were identified. 76/88 papers included a pain population, most commonly headache/migraine (n=19), general chronic pain (n=15), and fibromyalgia (n=12). Psychiatric or sensory modulation disorder cohorts (8 each) were most common of non-pain cohorts. Studies were published in 65 different journals representing multiple disciplines.

Conclusions

The study of MSS-related constructs as it relates to pain has increased dramatically in the last decade. However, there is no consensus on nomenclature to use when describing this phenomenon, making knowledge sharing challenging. The range of terminology used, and disciplines represented by journal types, provides evidence of the broad interest in this topic, likely contributing to the observed heterogeneity. While “sensory sensitivity” was one of several common phrases used, it was also present in many excluded publications representing only a single sensory domain. Thus, searching with this phrase is highly non-specific to this construct. These findings suggest future efforts to develop greater consensus on terminology and definitions would be beneficial, and that using combinations of modifier and core terms (e.g., multi- or generalized sensory sensitivity) provides clarity that is less likely to be misinterpreted across disciplines.

References

1.Schrepf, A., et al., Sensory sensitivity and symptom severity represent unique dimensions of chronic pain: a MAPP Research Network study. Pain, 2018. 159(10): p. 2002-2011.
2.Wang, D. and L.A. Frey-Law, Multisensory sensitivity differentiates between multiple chronic pain conditions and pain-free individuals. Pain, 2023. 164(2): p. E91-E102.
3.Schrepf, A., et al., Generalized sensory sensitivity is associated with comorbid pain symptoms: A replication study in women with dysmenorrhea. Pain, 2023. 164(1): p. 142-148.
4.Tricco, A.C., et al., PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. Ann Intern Med, 2018. 169(7): p. 467-473.
5.Rethlefsen, M.L. and M.J. Page, PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S: common questions on tracking records and the flow diagram. J Med Libr Assoc, 2022. 110(2): p. 253-257.
6.Bar-Shalita, T., et al., Sensory modulation dysfunction is associated with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. PLoS One, 2018. 13(8): p. e0201354.
7.Wilbarger, J.L. and D.B. Cook, Multisensory hypersensitivity in women with fibromyalgia: Implications for well being and intervention. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2011. 92(4): p. 653-656.

Presenting Author

Laura Frey-Law

Poster Authors

Harper Dunne

BS and BA (exp. Fall 2024)

University of Iowa

Lead Author

Laura Frey Law

PhD

The University of Iowa

Lead Author

Topics

  • Assessment and Diagnosis