Low-level laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
Abstract Background The role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is controversial. While some trials have shown distinct advantages of LLLT over placebo and some other non-surgical treatments, other trials have not. Objectives To assess the benefits and harms of LLLT versus placebo and versus other non-surgical interventions […]
Immunotherapy for diabetic amyotrophy
Abstract Background People with diabetes mellitus (DM) sometimes present with acute or subacute, progressive, asymmetrical pain and weakness of the proximal lower limb muscles. The various names for the condition include diabetic amyotrophy, diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathies, diabetic femoral neuropathy or Bruns‐Garland syndrome. Some studies suggest that diabetic amyotrophy may be an immune‐mediated inflammatory microvasculitis […]
Drug therapy for chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy
Abstract Background Chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) is an insidiously progressive sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy that affects elderly people. Although severe disability or handicap does not occur, CIAP reduces quality of life. CIAP is diagnosed in 10% to 25% of people referred for evaluation of polyneuropathy. There is a need to gather and review emerging […]
Gabapentin for chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults
Abstract Background Gabapentin is commonly used to treat neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage). This review updates a review published in 2014, and previous reviews published in 2011, 2005 and 2000. Objectives To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of gabapentin in chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Search methods For this update we […]
Morphine for chronic neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background Neuropathic pain, which is caused by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system, may be central or peripheral in origin. Neuropathic pain often includes symptoms such as burning or shooting sensations, abnormal sensitivity to normally painless stimuli, or an increased sensitivity to normally painful stimuli. Neuropathic pain is a common symptom in […]
Methadone for neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background This review replaces an earlier review, “Methadone for chronic non-cancer pain in adults”. This review serves to update the original and includes only studies of neuropathic pain. Methadone belongs to a class of analgesics known as opioids, that are considered the cornerstone of therapy for moderate-to-severe postsurgical pain and pain due to life-threatening […]
Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults – an overview of Cochrane Reviews
Abstract Background Topical analgesic drugs are used for a variety of painful conditions. Some are acute, typically strains or sprains, tendinopathy, or muscle aches. Others are chronic, typically osteoarthritis of hand or knee, or neuropathic pain. Objectives To provide an overview of the analgesic efficacy and associated adverse events of topical analgesics (primarily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory […]
Plasma exchange for Guillain-Barré syndrome
Abstract Background Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute paralysing disease caused by peripheral nerve inflammation. This is an update of a review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2012. Objectives To assess the effects of plasma exchange for treating GBS. Search methods On 18 January 2016 we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, […]
Treatments for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP): an overview of systematic reviews
Abstract Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic progressive or relapsing and remitting disease that usually causes weakness and sensory loss. The symptoms are due to autoimmune inflammation of peripheral nerves. CIPD affects about 2 to 3 per 100,000 of the population. More than half of affected people cannot walk unaided when symptoms […]
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) with or without codeine or dihydrocodeine for neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background Paracetamol, either alone or in combination with codeine or dihydrocodeine, is commonly used to treat chronic neuropathic pain. This review sought evidence for efficacy and harm from randomised double-blind studies. Objectives To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse events of paracetamol with or without codeine or dihydrocodeine for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. […]