title: [Neuropathic pain].
abstract: Neuropathic pain (NP) occurs secondary to lesions in the nervous system. The definition includes conditions with nervous system dysfunction, which creates problems with diagnostic classification. Lesions may be clinically identified, but signs of dysfunction are less specific. New knowledge of mechanisms behind NP has led to the suggestion that NP should be treated based on mechanisms rather than on diagnosis. However, it is not yet possible to identify mechanisms in individual patients, and present knowledge of drug effects builds on diagnosis. An algorithm for treatment of NP is presented.
authors.affiliation: Aarhus Universitet, Dansk Smerteforskningscenter, og Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Sygehus, Neurologisk Afdeling. fbach@as.aaa.dk
authors.forename: Flemming W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bach
authors.forename: Nanna S B
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Finnerup
authors.forename: Troels S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic