Treatment of painful polyneuropathies

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Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2005 Jun;9(3):178-83.

Treatment of painful polyneuropathies.

Nicholson B.

Penn State School of Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Lehigh

Valley Hospital and Health Network, 1240 South Cedar Crest Boulevard,

Suite 307, town, PA 18103, USA.

The treatment of painful polpyneuropathies has begun to improve over

the past several years. This is based on an evolving understanding of

the pathogenesis related to the development of diabetic neuropathy

and other diseases that may lead to peripheral nerve injury.

Consensus on evaluation strategies for patients presenting with pain

has furthered our ability to define neuropathic pain and accompanying

signs and symptoms that may respond to particular therapeutic

approaches. Recent therapeutic advances in medical management have

demonstrated improved outcomes in pain relief. This, along with lower

side effect-related issues, has led to improved compliance and

patient satisfaction. The assessment and treatment of comorbid

conditions, which include sleep, anxiety, and depression, have

further advanced the management of painful polyneuropathies in

patients. New antiepileptics, antidepressants, and topical therapies

have contributed to improved patient outcomes.