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Review
. 2023 Sep 18;12(18):6028.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12186028.

Neuropathic Pain in the Emergency Setting: Diagnosis and Management

Pietro Emiliano Doneddu  1   2 , Umberto Pensato  2   3 , Alessandra Iorfida  2   4 , Claudia Alberti  1 , Eduardo Nobile-Orazio  1   5 , Andrea Fabbri  6 , Antonio Voza  2   4 ; Study and Research Center of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (SIMEU)
Affiliations
Review

Neuropathic Pain in the Emergency Setting: Diagnosis and Management

Pietro Emiliano Doneddu et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Neuropathic pain, traditionally considered a chronic condition, is increasingly encountered in the emergency department (ED), accounting for approximately 20% of patients presenting with pain. Understanding the physiology and key clinical presentations of neuropathic pain is crucial for ED physicians to provide optimal treatment. While diagnosing neuropathic pain can be challenging, emphasis should be placed on obtaining a comprehensive medical history and conducting a thorough clinical examination. Patients often describe neuropathic pain as a burning or shock-like sensation, leading them to seek care in the ED after ineffective relief from common analgesics such as paracetamol and NSAIDs. Collaboration between emergency medicine specialists, neurologists, and pain management experts can contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines specifically tailored for the emergency department setting. This article provides a concise overview of the common clinical manifestations of neuropathic pain that may prompt patients to seek emergency care.

Keywords: emergency department; neuropathic pain; pain management.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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