Principles of effective management of neuropathic pain in primary care

Neuropathic pain caused by disease or damage affecting the somatosensory nervous system is a common problem in the primary care patients. Neuropathic pain can occur in postherpetic neuralgia, Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuroborreliosis, painful diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, after trauma, due to cancer, stroke, etc. The treatment of neuropathic pain involves a comprehensive multimodal approach using pharmacotherapy with antidepressants and anticonvulsants, the most convenient of which is gabapentin, pathogenetic therapy of the underlying disease and non-pharmacological methods. Only integrated approach can provide effective therapy and improve the quality of life of patients with neuropathic pain.