What can the neurosurgeon offer in peripheral neuropathic pain?
Neurosurgery has much to offer in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain but selection of the best procedure for a given patient remains problematic: planning of the treatment must be based on an analysis of the pathophysiological mechanism in the given case but the identification of this mechanism is often difficult. Available procedures are: 1) Nerve repair, neurolysis and nerve relocation; 2) Interventions on the sympathetic nervous system; 3) Neurostimulation; 4) Intraspinal morphine; 5) Ablative lesions. Neurosurgeons have, or should have, the necessary neuroscience background and microsurgical skills to be important partners of the team caring for patients with peripheral neuropathic pain.
Gybels
J
J
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Leuven, Belgium.
Kupers
R
R
Nuttin
B
B
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods; D009412:Nerve Fibers; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009493:Neurosurgery; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D059408:Pain Management; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D051381:Rats
D009294:Narcotics