Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy relieved with use of oral topiramate

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects 5 to 50% of people with diabetes in the United States. It is a progressive disorder that results in a gradual decrease in peripheral sensation and eventually complete loss of sensation. Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy are challenging to treat because of intolerable adverse medication effects and the development of tolerance to medical treatment. We present the case of a patient with peripheral neuropathy that was unresponsive to usual therapies. She experienced significant relief with the administration of topiramate. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant that is gaining recognition in the treatment of patients with neuropathic pain syndromes.