Pelvic and Urogenital Pain
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
11-16-2010
Journal
Clinical Pain Management: A Practical Guide
DOI
10.1002/9781444329711.ch33
Keywords
Assessment; Neurological testing; Neuropathic pain; Pain measurement; Pharmacotherapy; Projected pain; Spinal cord stimulation
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) arises as a direct consequence of a lesion or a disease affecting the somatosensory system. Assessment of a patient with suspected NP aims at recognition of NP, localizing the lesion, and diagnosing the causative disease. Information of the character of the condition is the basis of the treatment. Disease-modifying treatment should be provided when possible. Symptomatic pharmacotherapy is the major choice in NP. For most types of NP, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)-antidepressants duloxetine and venlafaxine, gabapentinoids, tramadol, strong opioids and topical lidocaine have proven efficacy. If the pain relief is insufficient by a single drug, combination therapies are considered. Treatment for NP needs to be individualized according to the etiology of the pain, concomitant diseases, medications and other individual factors. Spinal cord stimulation should be considered for patients with peripheral NP refractory to pharmacotherapy. As in other chronic pain conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy may also be beneficial. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
APA Citation
Martinez, A., & Howard, F. (2010). Pelvic and Urogenital Pain. Clinical Pain Management: A Practical Guide, (). http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781444329711.ch33