title: HIV-associated neuropathic pain: epidemiology, pathophysiology and management.
abstract: Peripheral neuropathy is associated with numerous systemic illnesses including HIV infection. Neuropathic pain constitutes approximately 25-50% of all pain clinic visits. Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most common form of peripheral neuropathy in individuals with HIV infection. DSP is distinguished from other forms of neuropathy on the basis of history and neurological examination. The pain associated with DSP can be debilitating. Therefore, it is important to diagnose HIV-associated DSP properly and treat the neuropathic pain in order to improve quality of life. We review the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, pathophysiology and management strategies for HIV-associated DSP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Neuro-AIDS Research Program, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York 10029, USA.
authors.forename: Susama
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Estanislao
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy