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Central Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury
Sujin Lee1, Xing Zhao1, Maya Hatch2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA.
Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
|March 10, 2015
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) pain is complex and hard to treat. Better classification, understanding pathophysiology, and multidisciplinary care are needed for improved treatments for central neuropathic pain after SCI.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects 1.2 million Americans, with central neuropathic pain being a common complication.
- Current treatments for SCI neuropathic pain, including opioids and gabapentin, are often insufficient due to pain complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advancements in classification tools for SCI neuropathic pain.
- To review the current understanding of SCI neuropathic pain pathophysiology.
- To outline existing and needed treatment strategies for SCI neuropathic pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on SCI neuropathic pain.
- Analysis of existing classification and assessment tools.
- Summary of pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and interventional treatment options.
Main Results:
- Central neuropathic pain in SCI is complex and challenging to manage effectively.
- Existing treatments offer limited relief, highlighting the need for novel approaches.
- Accurate assessment and classification are crucial for targeted treatment development.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of SCI neuropathic pain pathophysiology is essential.
- Multidisciplinary care and improved diagnostic tools are vital for better patient outcomes.
- Further research into classification, pathophysiology, and treatment is required for effective SCI pain management.
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