Neurológia pre prax 2/2010

Neuropatic pain in diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy may be associated with neuropathic pain. Type, intensity and localization of pain differ according to the type of neuropathy or the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain. In treatment of diabetic neuropathy and following neuropathic pain there is necessary to compensate diabetes and associated metabolic abnormalities. On the basis of many randomized clinical trials there was proved effectivity on neuropathic pain in diabetic neuropathy for tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin/pregabalin, serotonin-noradrenalin- reuptake inhibitors and opioids. Monotherapy is successful in 30–40 % of patients, but the most patients should be treated by combined therapy.

Keywords: diabetic neuropathy, neuropathic pain, pain relief, pharmacological treatment.