Classification of @entity9 has been based on disease entities, anatomical localization, or histological observations. Over the past decade, there has been an explosion in our understanding of the basic mechanisms of @entity9 . The exciting advances in basic science are paralleled by the recognition from clinical investigations that @entity9 is not a monolithic entity, but instead presents as a composite of @entity158 and other sensory symptoms. Attempts are under way to supplement the traditional classification with a classification that links @entity158 and sensory symptoms with neurobiological mechanisms. This mechanism- or symptom-based classification takes both negative and positive sensory symptoms into account. By using a battery of several standardized quantitative sensory tests, the characteristic profile of sensory symptoms can be elucidated in each @entity1 . Moreover, in questionnaires the verbal descriptors can depict the quality and intensity of the individual @entity158 . The approach of classifying and subgrouping @entity1 with @entity9 on the basis of symptoms or signs opens up new possibilities for stratifying @entity1 in clinical trials. First, in clinical proof-of-concept trials the study population can be enriched prospectively on the basis of entry criteria defined a priori. This enrichment with @entity1 who potentially require a specific treatment should increase the likelihood for positive trial outcomes. Second, in clinical practice it becomes possible to establish an individualized therapy--that is, to identify the particular @entity1 who require a specific treatment option.

Evaluation of symptom heterogeneity in XXXX using assessments of sensory functions.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity9 :: ('MESH:D009437', 'Disease') :: ['neuropathic pain'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain']
@entity9 :: (MESH:D009437,Disease) :: ['neuropathic pain']
