Summary
Book chapter(s) by Clare Rusbridge. Abstract: In this chapter, our current understanding of the mechanisms causing neuropathic pain and the nonsurgical therapy of syringomyelia are reviewed. Traditional pharmacological therapies such as tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors, antiepileptic drugs, opioids and NMDA receptor antagonists are detained, together with novel drug therapies such as cannabis, endocannabinoids and naltrexone. Management strategies for central neuropathic pain are suggested, including combination therapy, topical analgesics and intrathecal infusions. Limitations of therapy are discussed, together with likely future directions for treatment. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as acupuncture, complementary medicine, cognitive therapy and neurostimulation, are also considered.
