Pharmacotherapy and noninvasive neurostimulation for neuropathic pain

Presse Med. 2024 Apr 16:104233. doi: 10.1016/j.lpm.2024.104233. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNeuropathic pain poses a significant challenge due to its complex mechanisms, necessitating specific treatments. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the clinical research of neuropathic pain, marking a shift from empirical strategies to evidence-based medicine in its management. This review outlines both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Antidepressants (tricyclic and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors), antiepileptics (gabapentin, pregabalin), and topical agents constitute the main pharmacological treatments. These approaches target both peripheral and central mechanisms associated with neuropathic pain. Noninvasive neurostimulation, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), provides non-pharmacological alternatives. However, challenges persist in effectively targeting existing medications and developing drugs that act on novel targets, necessitating innovative strategies. Personalized approaches, incorporating genetic data and advanced assessments, are crucial for enhancing precision in neuropathic pain management.PMID:38636787 | DOI:10.1016/j.lpm.2024.104233
Source: Presse Medicale - Category: General Medicine Authors: Source Type: research