Neuropathic pain is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as “pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system.” In other words, neuropathic pain can be defined as pain caused by damage to the nervous system. Both TBI and SCI can lead to the development of neuropathic pain. Also, many other diseases can cause neuropathic pain including diabetes (diabetic nephropathy), cancer treatments (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy), shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), and trigeminal neuralgia.
Persons with neuropathic pain may experience shooting, stabbing, or burning pain. The pain may be continuous, constant, or intermittent. Neuropathic pain is often spontaneous, meaning that it occurs without a known external trigger. An experience of numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation is also common. Estimates vary, but approximately 10 percent of persons in the United States experience neuropathic pain (Van Hecke et al., 2014., PAIN 155:4, pages 654-662).
Neuropathic pain is moderately common and typically difficult to treat. Most therapies for neuropathic pain target the symptoms and center on pain management. Management options include antidepressants or antiepileptic gabapentinoids (pregabalin or gabapentin). Tramadol (opioid) is a third line agent. Both opioids and gabapentinoids have abuse potential.
As reported by Sadosky et al, 2013, neuropathic pain can impair quality of life and is often associated with depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety and impaired ability to work. Gaskin and Richard (2011) estimate that over 100 million adults in the U.S. are affected by chronic pain at an annual health care costs of approximately $300 billion. Notably, this estimate was in a 2010 economy, so costs today are likely higher.