Neuropathic Pain

It is important to consider that a particular type of pain experience, neuropathic pain, often requires a different class of medication. Neuropathic pain is used to describe pain situations where nerve roots or peripheral nerves (nerves in the arms, legs and torso) have been injured.

Neuropathic pain is a very complex pain experience and requires comprehensive medical management.

Neuropathic pain has the following clinical features –

 

·      It is often described as ‘unbearable’

·      ‘Burning’ if it involves the surface nerves

 ·      ‘Deep’ and ‘tooth ache’ like if it involves the nerve trunks or roots

 ·      Sometimes you will feel ‘tingly’, ‘zaps of pain’ and ‘itchy’

 ·      Stress can exacerbate symptoms

·      It has an unpredictable path and often does not start for 2-3 weeks after injury

Medications such as gabapentin and pregablin are often described as the best first line pharmacological approach to neuropathic pain.

It is important to consult your doctor to discuss your pain experience and medication for neuropathic pain as part of a multi-disciplinary medicine approach.