Duloxetine for treating painful neuropathy or chronic pain or fibromyalgia
Abstract Background Duloxetine is a balanced serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor licensed for the treatment of major depressive disorders, urinary stress incontinence and the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A number of trials have been conducted to investigate the use of duloxetine in neuropathic and nociceptive painful conditions. This is the […]
Immunotherapy for idiopathic lumbosacral plexopathy
Abstract Background Idiopathic lumbosacral plexopathy (ILSP), also called lumbosacral plexitis or non-diabetic lumbosacral (radiculo)plexus neuropathy is a rare clinical entity. The core features are (sub)acute, severe, asymmetrical leg pain, followed by asymmetrical multifocal weakness and atrophy in the subsequent weeks or months. Sensory symptoms include paresthesias, hypesthesia, allodynia, and autonomic dysfunction. ILSP generally runs a […]
Intravenous immunoglobulin for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Abstract Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) causes progressive or relapsing weakness and numbness of the limbs, developing over at least two months. Uncontrolled studies suggest that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) helps. This review was first published in 2002 and has since been updated, most recently in 2013. Objectives To review systematically the evidence from randomised […]
Lamotrigine for chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults
Abstract Background This is an update of the original Cochrane review entitled Lamotrigine for acute and chronic pain published in Issue 2, 2007, and updated in Issue 2, 2011. Some antiepileptic medicines have a place in the treatment of neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage). This updated review adds no new additional studies looking at evidence […]
Antiepileptic drugs for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia – an overview of Cochrane reviews
Abstract Background Antiepileptic drugs have been used for treating different types of neuropathic pain, and sometimes fibromyalgia. Our understanding of quality standards in chronic pain trials has improved to include new sources of potential bias. Individual Cochrane reviews using these new standards have assessed individual antiepileptic drugs. An early review from this group, originally published […]
Chinese herbal medicine for diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Abstract Background Chinese herbal medicine is frequently used for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy in China. Many controlled trials have been undertaken to investigate its efficacy. This is an update of a Cochrane review that was first published in the year 2011. Objectives To assess the beneficial effects and harms of Chinese herbal medicine for people […]
Topiramate for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults
Abstract Background Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug with multiple possible mechanisms of action. Antiepileptic drugs are widely used to treat chronic neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage) and fibromyalgia, and many guidelines recommend them. Objectives To assess the analgesic efficacy and associated adverse events of topiramate for chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia in adults […]
Immunomodulatory treatment other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasma exchange for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Abstract Background Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a disease causing progressive or relapsing and remitting weakness and numbness. It is probably due to an autoimmune process. Immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs would be expected to be beneficial. This review was first published in 2003 and has been most recently updated in 2013. Objectives We aimed […]
Therapeutic ultrasound for carpal tunnel syndrome
Abstract Background Therapeutic ultrasound may be offered to people experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The effectiveness and duration of benefit of this non-surgical intervention remain unclear. Objectives To review the effects of therapeutic ultrasound compared with no treatment, placebo or another non-surgical intervention in people with CTS. Search methods On […]
Corticosteroids for preventing postherpetic neuralgia
Abstract Background Postherpetic neuralgia is a common, serious painful complication of herpes zoster. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and might be beneficial. This is an update of a review first published in 2008 and previously updated in 2010. Objectives To examine the efficacy of corticosteroids in preventing postherpetic neuralgia. Search methods We updated the searches for randomised […]