Skip to main content
. 2013 Sep;57(3):189–204.
Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS Pain Scale)
Does the pain feel like strange unpleasant sensations on the skin (e.g. pricking, tingling, pins/needles)? ............................ 5
Does skin in the painful area(s) look different (mottled, more red or pink than usual)? ........................................................ 5
Is the skin in the painful area abnormally sensitive to touch? (e.g. lightly stroked, tight clothes) ......................................... 3
Does the pain come on suddenly? (e.g. electric shocks, jumping, or bursting) ...................................................................... 2
Does the pain feel as if the skin temperature in the painful area has changed abnormally (e.g. hot, burning) ? ................... 1
Exam: Does stroking the painful area of skin with cotton produce pain? .............................................................................. 5
Exam: Does a pinprick at the painful area feel different than a pinprick in an area of normal skin? ..................................... 3
0 – 12 = likely nociceptive, Score > 12 likely neuropathic Total:......................................................................... ________

Adapted from: Bennett, M.I. (2001). The LANSS Pain Scale: The Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs. Pain, 92(1–2), 147–157.