NEUROPATHIC PAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Neuropathic pain is a medical condition characterized by chronic, ongoing pain that arises from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. It is a type of pain caused by a disturbance in the nerves that transmit signals between the body and the brain.
This form of pain differs from nociceptive pain, which is caused by normal stimulation of pain receptors in response to tissue damage or inflammation. Neuropathic pain occurs even in the absence of any obvious injury or inflammation and can persist long after the initial cause has healed.
Common causes of neuropathic pain include diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and shingles, as well as injuries to the nerves or spinal cord. Symptoms of neuropathic pain can vary but often include shooting or burning sensations, tingling, numbness, and increased sensitivity to touch or temperature.
Treatment for neuropathic pain typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, with a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Medications commonly used include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, although their effectiveness can vary from person to person.
Managing neuropathic pain can be challenging due to its chronic nature, and individuals may require ongoing support and treatment to help improve their quality of life. It is important for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose neuropathic pain and develop personalized treatment plans to effectively address the underlying causes and better control the symptoms.
Etymology of NEUROPATHIC PAIN
The word "neuropathic" in "neuropathic pain" is derived from two Greek roots: "neuro", which means "nerve" or "nervous system", and "pathos", which means "disease" or "suffering". "Pain" itself derives from the Latin word "poena", meaning "punishment" or "penalty". Therefore, the term "neuropathic pain" refers to pain that arises from a dysfunction or damage to the nerves or the nervous system.
