[Neuropathic pain: tips and tools for specific and comprehensive pain management].

Abstract

Neuropathic pain syndromes are characterized by intense and long lasting pain that is resistant to usual analgesics. Patients are therefore at high risk of decreased quality of life and impaired well-being. Using a case report, we will consider in this article the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain as well as its impact on the quality of life including psychological consequences such as depression and anxiety. We will present simple and reliable scales that can help the general practitioner evaluate the neuropathic component of the pain syndrome and its related psychiatric co-morbidities. This comprehensive approach to pain management should facilitate communication with the patient and help the practitioner select the most appropriate therapeutic strategy, notably the prescription of antidepressants, the efficacy of which we will discuss at the end of the article.

• Authors: Bénédicte Verdu, Isabelle Decosterd
• Journal: Revue medicale suisse (Rev Med Suisse) Vol. 4 Issue 162 Pg. 1480-2, 1484-6, 1488-90 (Jun 18 2008) ISSN: 1660-9379 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Douleurs neuropathiques: quelques pistes pour une évaluation structurée et une prise en charge spécifique et globale.
• PMID: 18649594 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents

Topics

• Antidepressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Nervous System Diseases (complications)
• Pain (complications, diagnosis, etiology)
• Pain Management
• Psychotherapy
• Quality of Life