title: Application of the capsaicin 8% cutaneous patch in neuropathic pain of the head and face: A case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Treatment of neuropathic or neuralgic head and facial pain due to dental, traumatic or surgical nerve lesions or post-herpetic neuropathy is often challenging.
  
  
  METHODS
  We are reporting on four patients with neuropathic pain syndromes successfully treated with a capsaicin 8% patch in the affected area of the head or face.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with the capsaicin 8% patch seems to be effective and safe for application to the facial and head region. The capsaicin 8% patch might be an additional treatment option if first-line treatment with anticonvulsants or antidepressants was ineffective or limited by side effects.
authors.affiliation: Migraine and Headache Clinic, Germany Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Germany c.gaul@migraene-klinik.de.
authors.forename: Charly
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gaul
authors.affiliation: Migraine and Headache Clinic, Germany.
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Resch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018689:Sensory System Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D057968:Transdermal Patch; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018689:Sensory System Agents; D002211:Capsaicin
keywords: Facial pain; capsaicin 8% patch; nerve lesion; neuropathic pain; post-herpetic neuralgia