Neuropathic Pain: The Pharmacological Management of Neuropathic Pain in Adults in Non-Specialist Settings

Excerpt

This clinical guideline covers the management of neuropathic pain conditions in adults (aged 18 or over) in primary care and secondary care, excluding specialist pain management clinics. The aim of the guideline is to provide clear recommendations to healthcare professionals in non-specialist settings on the treatment and management of neuropathic pain. This includes recommendations on appropriate and timely referral to specialist pain services and/or condition-specific services. In general, regarding neuropathic pain as a ‘blanket condition’, irrespective of the underlying cause, is helpful and practical for both non-specialist healthcare professionals and patients. However, condition-specific recommendations and research recommendations have been made where robust evidence on clinical and cost effectiveness exists for specific conditions, or where the evidence is clearly uncertain. The guideline excludes acute pain arising directly (in the first 3 months) from trauma or orthopaedic surgical procedures.