The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) is a widely used tool for assessing and measuring a person's subjective pain experience. Developed by Dr. Ronald Melzack and his colleagues at McGill University in 1975, the MPQ aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of pain perception by capturing multiple dimensions of pain.
The questionnaire consists of several parts, starting with a series of sensory descriptions where the individual is asked to choose words or phrases that best describe their pain experience. These words are divided into three categories: sensory qualities (e.g., stabbing, throbbing), affective qualities (e.g., fearful, punishing), and evaluative qualities (e.g., unbearable, intensity). By selecting from a list of descriptors, the individual can convey the specific nature and characteristics of their pain.
In addition to the sensory descriptors, the MPQ also includes a visual analogue scale (VAS) to measure pain intensity on a continuous line, where the person marks their perceived level of pain. Furthermore, a pain rating index (PRI) offers an overall pain intensity score by summing up the ratings given to different components of the questionnaire.
The McGill Pain Questionnaire is popularly used in clinical and research settings to assess pain in patients suffering from various conditions, such as chronic pain, postoperative pain, or neuropathic pain. It helps clinicians and researchers gain insight into the nature, location, intensity, and emotional impact of pain, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the individual's pain experience.
