Pain Management Q&A by Dr. Helm

Answer:

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Peripheral neuropathy has been area of exciting new developments in medicine. We have for decades used antidepressant and anti-seizure medications for neuropathic pain. Recently, one medication from each class, duloxetine and pregabalin, has been approved by the FDA for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is very close to the type of neuropathy which you have. These drugs are either easier to use, have fewer side effects, or are slightly more effective than other options.

We are also using opioids more often to treat peripheral neuropathy. Implantable devices, such as spinal cord stimulators, can be tried, but have had limited success in treating peripheral neuropathy.

Thank you for your question.