NEUROPATHIC PAIN Flashcards
What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that is caused by damage or dysfunction to the nervous system.
What are the common causes of neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain can be caused by nerve damage, infections, metabolic disorders, cancer, and certain medications.
What is the prevalence of neuropathic pain in society?
Neuropathic pain affects an estimated 7-10% of the general population.
What are the common signs and symptoms of neuropathic pain?
Symptoms of neuropathic pain may include burning, shooting, or electric shock-like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
What is the first-line treatment for neuropathic pain?
Tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the first-line treatment for neuropathic pain.
How do tricyclic antidepressants and SNRIs work to reduce neuropathic pain?
Tricyclic antidepressants and SNRIs work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to reduce pain.
What are some examples of tricyclic antidepressants used to treat neuropathic pain?
Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
What are some examples of SNRIs used to treat neuropathic pain?
Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
What is the second-line treatment for neuropathic pain?
Anticonvulsants are the second-line treatment for neuropathic pain when antidepressants are not effective or not tolerated.
How do anticonvulsants work to reduce neuropathic pain?
Anticonvulsants work by reducing the excitability of neurons in the brain, which can help to reduce pain. Examples of anticonvulsants include gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica).
