[Neuropathic pain].
Neuropathic pain poses a challenge, since there is no consensus on what constitutes optimal management, and current strategies for diagnosing and treating this heterogeneous condition are largely empirical. In the daily routine a neurological examination that includes a sensory examination with some simple bedside-tests often suffices to establish a tentative diagnosis. The author proposes a basic algorithm that may help clinicians to optimize available therapeutic options and improve pain relief and quality of life in patients with this type of pain. Such first-line drugs as antidepressants, anticonvulsants and sustained-release opioids form the basis for a treatment strategy that is appropriate for the individual patient.
Freynhagen
Von R
VR
Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Leitender Arzt Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf. Freynhagen@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Junker
U
U
D000465:Algorithms; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents