Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by injury or disease to the nervous system. There are several different types of neuropathy, including diabetic, central, and peripheral neuropathy.

The nerve damage that causes this pain can be caused by:

• Diabetes
• Facial nerve pain
• Toxins, such as chemotherapy and radiation
• Shingles
• Nerve impingement due to disc herniation, carpal tunnel syndrome, and spinal stenosis
• Vitamin deficiency

Neuropathy Symptoms

Symptoms include changes in sensation, including burning pain, tingling, or numbness. Some people describe their pain as “pins and needles.”

Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain

There is no cure for neuropathy or the accompanying pain. Treating this pain can be difficult and complex, so it is important to seek an experienced pain management expert for care.

Medications

• Antidepressants and antiepileptics have been found to help relieve pain by interfering with chemical processes in your brain and spinal cord that cause you to feel pain
• Topical preparations including anesthetics like lidocaine, or topical anti-inflammatory agents, can improve peripheral neuropathy symptoms
• Capsaicin cream has modest effects when used for neuropathic pain
• Botox injections are helpful in the treatment of small areas of localized neuropathic pain
• NMDA antagonists, such as ketamine and dextromethorphan, may reduce spinal neuron sensitization

Other Therapies

• Physical therapy
• Neuromodulation (nerve stimulation) can be effective for neuropathic pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine for Neuropathic Pain?

Weill Cornell Pain Management physicians use the latest research, the most advanced equipment, and innovative therapies to diagnose pain and develop customized pain management plans for each patient.

We work closely with a broad team of specialists to help our patients regain independence, functionality, and improve their quality of life. After assessing your case, we will tailor a treatment plan that may include medication, pain management, and physical therapy. When surgery is part of the plan, we offer the most advanced minimally invasive techniques.

Weill Cornell Medicine often offers clinical trials, giving patients access to treatments that may not be available elsewhere. Learn more about Pain Management's current clinical trials.

To learn more about the ways we treat neuropathic pain, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we offer.