Treatment algorithm of neuropathic pain in elderly population

Abstract

Older persons are usually affected by neuropathic pain (NP). They typically have a number of comorbidities. Drug-drug interactions are more likely in elderly people since they frequently take multiple medications. These patients, particularly those who have cognitive issues, may also have limited communication skills, making it challenging to assess and treat their pain. To recognize and treat neuropathic pain as effectively as possible, clinicians and other healthcare professionals need a decision-making algorithm. We describe a decision-making algorithm created by a multidisciplinary team of experts that concentrates on pain evaluation and treatment options for the treatment of neuropathic pain, especially in the elderly.

Abbreviations: ECPA - Behavioral Scale for Elderly Persons; IASP - International Association for the Study of Pain; S-LANSS - Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale; NP - neuropathic pain; NRS - numerical rating scale; PHN - Postherpetic neuralgia; PACSLAC - Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate; PGIC - Patient Global Impression of Change; VRS - verbal rating scale; VAS - Visual analog scales;

Keywords: neuropathic pain, algorithm, treatment or management, elderly.

Citation: Hidayati HB, Puspamaniar VA, Sugondo AT, Firdausa FS. Treatment algorithm of neuropathic pain in elderly population. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(6): 1105-1112; DOI; 10.35975/apic.v28i6.2618

Received: October 04, 2023; Reviewed: October 23, 2023; Accepted: September 24, 2024