Chronic neuropathic pain: mechanisms, drug targets and measurement
Nanna B. Finnerup,
Søren H. Sindrup,
Troels S. Jensen,
Corresponding Author
Nanna B. Finnerup
Department of Neurology, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
*Correspondence and reprints: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorSøren H. Sindrup
Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
Search for more papers by this authorTroels S. Jensen
Department of Neurology, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Search for more papers by this authorNanna B. Finnerup,
Søren H. Sindrup,
Troels S. Jensen,
Corresponding Author
Nanna B. Finnerup
Department of Neurology, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
*Correspondence and reprints: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorSøren H. Sindrup
Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
Search for more papers by this authorTroels S. Jensen
Department of Neurology, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Neuropathic pain is common in many diseases or injuries of the peripheral or central nervous system, and has a substantial impact on quality of life and mood. Lesions of the nervous system may lead to potentially irreversible changes and imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory systems. Preclinical research provides several promising targets for treatment such as sodium and calcium channels, glutamate receptors, monoamines and neurotrophic factors; however, treatment is often insufficient. A mechanism-based treatment approach is suggested to improve treatment. Valid and reliable tools to assess various symptoms and signs in neuropathic pain and knowledge of drug mechanisms are prerequisites for pursuing this approach. The present review summarizes mechanisms of neuropathic pain, targets of currently used drugs, and measures used in neuropathic pain trials.
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