Abstract
The focus of this brief review is treatments that are effective for patients with neuropathic pain. We will discuss these treatments in the context of neural mechanisms that are thought to contribute to pain following peripheral nervous system injury or dysfunction. Although some mechanisms come into play only when the nervous system is damaged others are operative under physiological conditions and contribute to pain even when there is no neural damage or dysfunction. Regardless of whether pathological or physiological, each mechanism offers a potential point for treatment. In this chapter, we will relate therapeutic interventions to particular pain mechanisms, and review the available clinical evidence for the efficacy of such treatments. Finally, current therapeutic options will be discussed in the context of a treatment trials algorithm for peripheral neuropathic pain.
