Chronic pain: physiological, diagnostic, and management considerations

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a neuropsychiatric condition in which pain is initiated or caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction in the nervous system. Understanding the complexity of neuropathic pain becomes the cornerstone for appropriate diagnosis and management. Diagnosis must take into account comorbid conditions. Successful management depends on realistic patient and physician expectations and an individualized, multidisciplinary approach.