Neuropathy and Nerve Pain
Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the central or peripheral nervous system. The cause of the pain varies based on the location of the injury in the nervous system. Central causes of neuropathic pain involving the brain and spinal cord can include pain after spinal cord injury, immune mediated conditions like multiple sclerosis and strokes among others. Peripheral causes of neuropathic pain include metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, exposure to toxins or medications like chemotherapy and viral infections like herpes zoster. A diagnosis is made based on a thorough history and physical exam, imaging studies like MRI, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocities (NCV). The treatment includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medications targeted at the nervous system like antidepressants (TCAs, SNRIs) and anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin). Other treatment modalities include nerve blocks, sympathetic plexus blocks and implantable therapies like spinal cord stimulation.
Neuropathy and Nerve Pain Treatments
The treatment includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medications targeted at the nervous system like antidepressants (TCAs, SNRIs) and anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin). Other treatment modalities include nerve blocks, sympathetic plexus blocks and implantable therapies like spinal cord stimulation.