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Chronic neuropathic pain: mechanisms, drug targets and measurement
Author(s) -
Finnerup Nanna B.,
Sindrup Søren H.,
Jensen Troels S.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
fundamental and clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.655
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1472-8206
pISSN - 0767-3981
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2007.00474.x
Subject(s) - neuropathic pain , medicine , drug , neuroscience , glutamate receptor , mechanism (biology) , chronic pain , nervous system , pharmacology , receptor , psychology , physical therapy , psychiatry , philosophy , epistemology
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.