Common neuropathic itch syndromes.
Patients with chronic itch are diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. However, itch is a neural sensation and some forms of chronic itch are the presenting symptoms of neurological diseases. Dermatologists need some familiarity with the most common neuropathic itch syndromes to initiate diagnostic testing and to know when to refer to a neurologist. This review summarizes current knowledge, admittedly incomplete, on neuropathic itch caused by diseases of the brain, spinal cord, cranial or spinal nerve-roots, and peripheral nerves.
Nerve Injury Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 02114, USA. aoaklander@partners.org
Anne Louise
AL
Oaklander
D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D036421:Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated / Q000502:physiology; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013577:Syndrome; D020433:Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology