Evidence-based pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes

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J Neural Transm. 2005 Jun;112(6):735-49.

Evidence-based pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain

syndromes.

Beniczky S, Tajti J, Timea Varga E, Vecsei L.

Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged,

Szeged, Hungary.

Neuropathic pain, caused or initiated by a primary lesion in the

peripheral or central nervous system, can result in a dramatic

reduction in the patient's quality of life. The expression

neuropathic pain covers a heterogeneous group of conditions,

including peripheral neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome,

trigeminal neuralgia and central pain. Neuropathic pain poorly

responds to conventional analgesics. However, with appropriate

therapy, a significant proportion of patients experience a

substantial pain reduction. We present here an evidence-based review

of the options for the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes.

Consideration is given to the mechanisms of action, numbers needed to

treat (NNT), the recommended doses and the most frequent side-effects

of the drugs for which consistent support has been found for

treatment of these pain conditions.