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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:28
A Protocol of Manual Tests to Measure Sensation and Pain in Humans
Published on: December 19, 2016
Neuropathic pain and its assessment
Giorgio Cruccu1, Andrea Truini
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. cruccu@uniroma1.it
Surgical Oncology
|January 9, 2010
Summary
Neuropathic pain is common in older adults due to age-related somatosensory system changes. Reliable diagnostic methods like laser evoked potential (LEP) recordings and skin biopsy aid in prompt assessment and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Neuropathic pain, resulting from somatosensory system damage, is prevalent in the elderly.
- Conditions like herpes zoster and peripheral neuropathy, which cause neuropathic pain, increase with age.
- Aging involves degenerative changes in the nociceptive pathway, including axonal loss, potentially contributing to under-reporting of pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increased incidence of neuropathic pain in the elderly population.
- To discuss the age-related physiological changes affecting pain perception.
- To present reliable methods for assessing neuropathic pain in older individuals.
Main Methods:
- Description of laser evoked potential (LEP) recordings.
- Explanation of skin biopsy procedures.
- Focus on methods selectively assessing nociceptive pathways.
Main Results:
- Herpes zoster affects over 50% of individuals older than 60, with 30% developing postherpetic neuralgia.
- Peripheral neuropathy prevalence increases from 2.4% to 8% in those over 55.
- Age-related nociceptive pathway degeneration is implicated in neuropathic pain development and under-reporting.
Conclusions:
- Neuropathic pain is a significant issue in the elderly due to age-related neurological changes.
- Laser evoked potential (LEP) recordings and skin biopsy are effective diagnostic tools.
- Early diagnosis through these methods is crucial for effective treatment of neuropathic pain.
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