Neurológia pre prax Brožúra Liečba chronickej bolesti/2011

Neuropathic pain

The paper provides an overview of current opinions on the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and the mechanisms of peripheral and central sensitization. Also included are the fundamentals of diagnosis and clinical examination of patients with neuropathic pain, particularly the examination for and interpretation of sensation disorders. Major emphasis is placed on practical algorithms of pharmacological therapy in the most common nosological entities associated with the neuropathic pain syndrome. Treatment guidelines are based on the current standards of the Czech Neurological Society and the European Federation of Neurological Societies. Treatment is usually combined, based on the administration of adjuvant analgesics from the group of anticonvulsants or antidepressants and analgesics with supportive physical therapy and/or psychotherapy.

Keywords: neuropathic pain, neurological examination, sensation disorders, electromyography, pharmacological therapy, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, analgesics, opioids.