Neuropathic pain

Abstract

Neuropathic pain arises spontaneously, independently from stimulus, in periferic nerve distribution areas. This pain does not involve periferic nociceptors activation but comes up in ectopic areas by unusual way. Several features of lesions and associated physiopathologic mechanisms may cause neuropathic pain. It is impossible highlighting single causes or action mechanisms for developing of neuropathic pain, because central and periferic factors are involved both. Neuropathic pain therapy does not involves specifical analgesic drugs, but adiuvants: anti-epileptic, tri- and bi-ciclic antidepressants, local anaesthetics, Baclofen, NMDA antagonists, clonidine. Invasive techniques are reserved to unresponsive medical treatment or for patients in which collateral effects are more than benefits.