Diagnosing and treating neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is a complex form of chronic pain that has very specific characteristics making it fundamentally different to other types of pain, such as inflammatory or traumatic pain. Neuropathic pain is related to an alteration or injury to the central nervous system or the peripheral nervous system.

Diagnosing neuropathic pain

Most patients with neuropathic pain notice symptoms such as a sharp pain, cramps, and a burning pain. Neuropathic pain has a very complex physiology and needs sophisticated diagnostic methods. There is a group of tests that are very specific for the diagnosis of neuropathic pain, such as an electromyography, which is carried out by a neurologist. Neuropathic pain arises from a variety of causes, the most common being infection. Conditions caused by problems of the central nervous system, such as a stroke, can produce a type of pain which also has characteristics of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain can also result from inflammatory conditions.

Treating neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is treated using drugs for pain management and there are various surgical processes available. The treatment of neuropathic pain is complex and, in most patients, difficult to perform. The condition undoubtedly has repercussions in all aspects of the patient's life, it is indisputable that if we manage to treat the pain, it will improve all areas of life for the patient and therefore, it is important that the most appropriate treatment is chosen.