Topical capsaicin as an adjuvant analgesic for the treatment of traumatic amputee neurogenic residual limb pain.
The treatment of amputee residual limb pain can at times be a challenge for the physician. Occasionally, traditional analgesic medication regimens cannot be used or are ineffective in relieving the pain. Topical capsaicin cream has been a beneficial adjuvant medication in the treatment of some painful conditions. The authors present three patients with traumatic upper limb amputations where topical capsaicin cream was of benefit in the treatment of neurogenic residual limb pain. The hope is that these cases will increase awareness of the potential use of capsaicin cream as an adjuvant analgesic in patients with residual limb pain. Common causes of residual limb pain and the pharmacology of capsaicin cream are discussed.
Cannon
D T
DT
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Medical School, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, USA.
Wu
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004188:Disarticulation / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000601:surgery
D002211:Capsaicin