An update on the pharmacologic management and treatment of neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain results directly from a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system and can be central or peripheral in origin. Epidemiologic research suggests that 7% to 10% of the general population suffers from neuropathic pain, although the prevalence may be underestimated. Patients with neuropathic pain may experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, disability, and reduced quality of life. Treatment remains suboptimal because traditional drugs provide only modest pain relief. This article reviews the causes of neuropathic pain, patient presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies.
Megan E. Wright practices in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. Denise Rizzolo is a research coordinator in the PA program at Kean University in Union, N.J., and a faculty member of the Pace Completion Program in New York City. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Megan E
ME
Wright
Denise
D
Rizzolo
D000588:Amines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management; D010808:Physical Examination; D000069583:Pregabalin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068760:Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D002186:Cannabinoids; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D000068760:Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069583:Pregabalin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin