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Chronic neuropathic pain in SCI: evaluation and treatment
1Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, PO Box 016960, C-206, Miami, FL 33101, USA; Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami VAHS, 1201 North West 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125, USA.
Summary
Chronic neuropathic pain affects 40% of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and is hard to treat. This review covers pain evaluation, outcome measures, and evidence for treatments in SCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Chronic neuropathic pain is a prevalent complication following spinal cord injury (SCI), affecting approximately 40% of individuals.
- The complexity of pain mechanisms and diverse symptoms in SCI necessitate a comprehensive evaluation approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of guidelines for pain evaluation and classification in SCI.
- To suggest standardized outcome measures for clinical application in SCI pain management.
- To review the evidence for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for chronic neuropathic pain post-SCI.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent literature on SCI pain management.
- Analysis of current guidelines for pain assessment and classification.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data for various treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Recent guidelines offer frameworks for pain evaluation and classification in SCI.
- Standardized outcome measures are crucial for consistent clinical assessment.
- Evidence for both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions presents a mixed profile of efficacy and side effects.
Conclusions:
- A thorough and standardized approach to pain evaluation is essential for effective management of chronic neuropathic pain after SCI.
- Careful consideration of the evidence is required when selecting pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for SCI-related pain.
