Screen for neuropathic component of pain. Free to use.
LANSS (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess screen for neuropathic component of pain. The instrument contains 7 items.
Source / attribution: Bennett M. Pain. 2001;92(1-2):147-157.
The instrument's primary construct — screen for neuropathic component of pain — is operationalized through a fixed set of items, each with a defined response format. This standardisation is what allows LANSS scores to be compared meaningfully across clinicians, sites, and studies.
Like all screening or assessment instruments, LANSS is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.
Answer all 7 items below to see your LANSS score and interpretation.
All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.
LANSS uses weighted summation: each item carries a fixed weight that is added when the response indicates a positive finding.
Scoring notes: Items 6–7 require clinical examination.
The cutoffs below are drawn from the published validation literature. Always interpret in clinical context.
| Score range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–11 | Nociceptive pain mechanism likely | Score < 12 — neuropathic mechanism unlikely; treat as nociceptive. |
| 12–24 | Neuropathic mechanism likely | Score ≥ 12 — neuropathic mechanism likely; consider gabapentinoids / TCAs / SNRIs. |
This is an illustrative walkthrough, not a real patient. Follow the same four steps with your own answers — or use the live calculator at the top of this page.
Mark each item Yes or No. Each "Yes" adds the item's weight; each "No" adds 0. The example below uses illustrative answers.
| # | Item | Example response | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pain feels strange — pricking, tingling, like pins and needles? | Yes | 5 |
| 2 | Skin in the painful area looks mottled or like 'punched-out spots'? | No | 0 |
| 3 | Skin in the painful area is abnormally sensitive to clothing or breeze? | Yes | 3 |
| 4 | Pain comes on suddenly in bursts for no apparent reason — electric shocks, jumping? | Yes | 2 |
| 5 | Pain feels as if the skin temperature has changed — hot or burning? | Yes | 1 |
| 6 | On exam: stroking the painful area lightly produces an unpleasant sensation (allodynia)? | Yes | 5 |
| 7 | On exam: altered pin-prick threshold (raised) compared with a normal area? | Yes | 3 |
Add the weights from the items where you marked "Yes" (skip the "No" answers — they contribute 0).
5 + 0 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 3 = 19
Find the row in the interpretation table whose range contains your total:
Total = 19 falls between 12 and 24 → Neuropathic mechanism likely
Neuropathic mechanism likely. Score ≥ 12 — neuropathic mechanism likely; consider gabapentinoids / TCAs / SNRIs.
A score is one input alongside history and examination. LANSS supports clinical judgment — it does not replace it.
If LANSS doesn't fit your context, related instruments in pain include:
| Scale | Measures | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRS Pain | Self-reported pain intensity | 1 | — |
| PEG | Brief pain-impact assessment in primary care | 3 | — |
| DN4 | Screen for neuropathic pain | 10 | — |
| PHQ-9 | Severity of depression | 9 | ≈ 3 minutes |
| GAD-7 | Severity of generalized anxiety | 7 | ≈ 2 minutes |
| AUDIT | 10-item WHO screening tool for hazardous alcohol consumption and dependence. | 10 | ≈ 3 min |
| CHA2DS2-VASc | Annual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation | 8 | — |
| Glasgow Coma Scale | Level of consciousness after head injury | 3 | — |
LANSS (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs) is a validated instrument that assesses screen for neuropathic component of pain.
LANSS contains 7 items.
Scores of 12–24 fall in the "Neuropathic mechanism likely" band. Score ≥ 12 — neuropathic mechanism likely; consider gabapentinoids / TCAs / SNRIs.
Scores of 0–11 fall in the "Nociceptive pain mechanism likely" band. Score < 12 — neuropathic mechanism unlikely; treat as nociceptive.
Yes — LANSS is in the public domain and free for clinical, educational, and research use without permission.
Bennett M. The LANSS Pain Scale: the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs. Pain. 2001;92(1-2):147-157.
No. LANSS is a structured assessment aid. A score is one input alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.
LANSS is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: