A Literature Review: The Mechanisms and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain—A Brief Discussion

A Literature Review: The Mechanisms and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain—A Brief Discussion

17 January 2024 | Renira Rugnath, Casey Orzechowicz, Clayton Newell, Veronica Carullo and Anesh Rugnath
This literature review provides an in-depth examination of neuropathic pain, a complex condition characterized by sensory disturbances and associated pain. The review highlights the multifaceted nature of neuropathic pain, its various manifestations, and the challenges in diagnosing and treating it. Neuropathic pain can arise from a variety of causes, including trauma, nerve compression, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and infections. The review discusses the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, including the involvement of both central and peripheral nervous systems, and the mechanisms of sensitization. The treatment section focuses on pharmacological and interventional therapies. Pharmacological interventions include gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), each with specific mechanisms of action and side effects. Interventional treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation, are also discussed, with recent FDA approval for treating painful diabetic neuropathy. The review further explores pediatric neuropathic pain, noting the underdiagnosis and underdosing of medications in this population. It highlights the importance of early referral to specialized pain management centers and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in managing pediatric neuropathic pain. Overall, the review emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating neuropathic pain, considering both the biological and psychological aspects of the condition.This literature review provides an in-depth examination of neuropathic pain, a complex condition characterized by sensory disturbances and associated pain. The review highlights the multifaceted nature of neuropathic pain, its various manifestations, and the challenges in diagnosing and treating it. Neuropathic pain can arise from a variety of causes, including trauma, nerve compression, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and infections. The review discusses the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, including the involvement of both central and peripheral nervous systems, and the mechanisms of sensitization. The treatment section focuses on pharmacological and interventional therapies. Pharmacological interventions include gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), each with specific mechanisms of action and side effects. Interventional treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation, are also discussed, with recent FDA approval for treating painful diabetic neuropathy. The review further explores pediatric neuropathic pain, noting the underdiagnosis and underdosing of medications in this population. It highlights the importance of early referral to specialized pain management centers and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in managing pediatric neuropathic pain. Overall, the review emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating neuropathic pain, considering both the biological and psychological aspects of the condition.
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