Dr. Kennedy returns to talk about neuropathic pain. While neuropathic pain and nociceptive pain can co-exist, neuropathic pain is unique in its pathophysiologic mechanisms and as such, tends to respond better to non-traditional analgesics. Differentiating neuropathic from other types of pain is an important first step in developing a safe and effective treatment plan for helping patients with this condition.
Learning Objectives
1) Differentiate neuropathic pain from other types of pain
2) Describe the common causes of neuropathic pain
3) Understand the role, pros, and cons of gabapentanoids, other antiepileptic drugs, TCAs, SNRIs, topical therapy, and opioids in the setting of neuropathic pain
4) Develop a treatment plan for a patient with trigeminal neuralgia
5) Develop a safe and effective treatment plan that incorporates non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic modalities in the treatment of neuropathic pain