Mechanism-based treatment principles of neuropathic pain

Traditionally, neuropathic pain has been classified due to aetiology of nerve damage-traumatic, inflammatory or metabolic, for instance. Based on this classification, pain therapy often is insufficient. Recent research revealed different mechanisms, which are responsible for the generation of pain after nerve lesion. These mechanisms seem to be independent of aetiology of the nerve damage. The most important mechanisms are accumulation of sodium channels on injured nerves, pathological sympatho-afferent coupling, disinhibition of nociception and central or peripheral nociceptive sensitisation. Each individual mechanism could be treated specifically by current available drugs, or by non-drug therapy. However, future research has to focus on exploring tools to recognise individual pain mechanisms in single patients. Thereby treatment will become more effective.