Neuropathic pain is an inappropriate physiological response caused by a lesion or dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system or central nervous system. Unlike nociceptive pain, which is an appropriate physiological response to a painful stimulus, neuropathic pain can be either stimulus-independent or stimulus-evoked.
Assessment of Neuropathic Pain
The assessment of neuropathic pain can be challenging, as the aetiology and symptomatology of each neuropathic pain syndrome can vary greatly. Some conditions may also involve both neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Patient descriptions of neuropathic pain symptoms may include:
- Continuous, burning pain
- Dysaesthesia (abnormal and unpleasant sensations caused by spontaneous ectopic discharges along Aß fibres. Such sensations may be spontuneous or evoked)
- Shooting or lancinating pain/sharp, tearing pain
- Hyperalgesia (an increased response to a stimulus that is normally painful)
- Allodynia (pain from a stimulus that is not always painful)
- Paraesthesia (abnormal, but not unpleasant, sensations caused by spontaneous ectopic discharge along Aß fibres. Such sensations may occur in the absence of external stimuli)
- Electric, shock-like pain
Patients with the same neuropathic pain syndrome often present with different symptoms and respond to the same therapy with varying degrees of success, thus complicating disease management. It has become clear that physicians should adopt a more symptom- and disease mechanism-based approach to selecting therapy.
The information above is used for educational purpose only, for any enquiries, please consult the neurosurgeon for medical advices.
