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

Bakhtadze M.A.; Berdnikova A.V.; Kukushkin M.L.

doi:https://doi.org/10.17116/pain20252303122

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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.

Keywords:

neck pain

tension-type headache

migraine

cervicogenic headache

Central Sensitization Inventory

Authors:

Bakhtadze M.A.

Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology;
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University;
Rehabilitation Clinics “Quality of Life”

ORCID: 0000-0001-9282-3319

Berdnikova A.V.

Alexander Vein Clinic of Headache and Autonomic Disorders

ORCID: 0000-0002-4447-2152

Kukushkin M.L.

Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology

ORCID: 0000-0002-9406-5846

Received:

07.04.2025

Accepted:

10.06.2025

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References:

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