Managing Neuropathic Pain

Med Clin North Am. 2016 Jan;100(1):151-67. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2015.08.009. Epub 2015 Oct 28.

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NP) arises from injuries or diseases affecting the somatosensory component of the nervous system at any level of the peripheral or central nervous system. NP is diagnosed based on common neurologic signs and symptoms. NP is best treated with a combination of multiple therapeutic approaches, and treatments include conservative, complementary, medical, interventional, and surgical treatment modalities. Goals of treatment are the same as in pain management and include improvement in pain control and in coping skills as well as restoration of functional status. Most patients with NP benefit most from an individualized, multimodal approach that emphasizes both pain and function.

Keywords: Anticonvulsants; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Interventional treatments; Neuralgia; Neuropathic pain; Peripheral neuropathy; Physical therapy; Radiculopathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Neuralgia / therapy*
  • Pain Management / standards
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / methods
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / therapy

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Anticonvulsants