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Semin Neurol 2025; 45(01): 145-156
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1791770
Review Article

Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Management of Neuropathic Pain

Andrew Feldman
1   Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
,
Joshua Weaver
1   Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
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Abstract

Disorders of the somatosensory nervous system that cause neuropathic pain are treated in a variety of ways. Herein, we introduce a stepwise approach to treating neuropathic pain. We then summarize the available data and guidelines for treating neuropathic pain, both with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods, and provide a synthesized algorithm highlighting the similarities and differences between recent guidelines on the management of neuropathic pain. Pharmacologic treatments are primarily antiseizure medications (e.g., gabapentinoids, sodium channel blockers) and antidepressant medications (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), though other medications and interventional pharmacologic therapies can also be considered. There are a wide variety of nonpharmacologic treatments for neuropathic pain including neuromodulation, nerve stimulation, physiotherapy, movement therapies, lifestyle modification, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and mind–body techniques.

Keywords

neuropathic pain - pharmacologic therapy - nonpharmacologic therapy - complementary and alternative medicine - integrative medicine


Publication History

Article published online:
11 October 2024

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