Neuropathic pain: update in definitions and its pharmacological treatment

Abstract

Neuropathic pain defined as pain that is caused by injury to the somatosensory system, includes approximately 15% of pain visits. Due to its diverse etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms, neuropathic pain creates a challenge for its management. Its relative frequency in primary care becomes a topic that every clinician should know how to diagnose, treat and identify for correct remission. A narrative bibliographic review was made in which original articles, review articles and clinical guidelines were searched in databases including PUBMED, HINARI, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library, for the period 2010-2018. Diagnosis of neuropathic pain is based on medical history. Pain relief should not be delayed with frontline medications such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.