Management of Neuropathic Pain in the Geriatric Population

Neuropathic pain is common in the geriatric population. Diagnosis requires a thorough history and physical examination to differentiate it from other types of pain. Once diagnosed, further workup is required to elucidate the cause, including potential reversible causes of neuropathy. When treating neuropathic pain in the elderly, it is important to consider patients' comorbidities and other medications to avoid drug-drug interactions and iatrogenic effects given the physiologic changes of drug metabolism in the elderly. Nonsystemic therapies and topical medications should be considered. Systemic medications should be started at low dose and titrated up slowly with frequent monitoring for adverse effects.