[German research network on neuropathic pain: working on future therapy]

Founded in 2002, the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain includes the major institutions, authorities and medical disciplines engaged in therapy and research on Neuropathic pain. Together they work on a better understanding of the pathophysiology, the development of new therapies and the appropriate usage of established interventions for the treatment as well as the prevention of neuropathic pain. The network's central project is the establishment of a data bank, currently including standardized information of more than 1500 patients with neuropathic pain regarding socio-economic, psycho-social, psychological data and the results of quantitative sensory testing (QST), a standardized protocol implemented by the network.