Articles: neuralgia.
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The antiepileptic drug gabapentin has begun to be used successfully in some cases of neuropathic pain. Its mechanism of action is still unknown, but seems to be related to a positive effect on the synthesis and liberation of the neurotransmitter GABA. ⋯ Gabapentin should be borne in mind in the treatment of this type of pain, particularly when the usual treatment cannot be given or is insufficient to control pain, especially in elderly patients in whom there is often reduced tolerance of drugs.
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Epidural block is very useful in the treatment of herpetic pain and post herpetic neuralgia. However, in the elderly patients with cardiac disease or diabetes mellitus, severe cardiovascular changes may occur by epidural block. Epidural block caused severe hypotension in two elderly patients with herpetic pain and post herpetic neuralgia who had diabetes mellitus or hypertension. Continuous thoracic sympathetic ganglion block with local anesthetics through a placed catheter reduced their pain and caused almost no changes in cardiovascular system.
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Case Reports
Long-term epidural ketamine, morphine and bupivacaine attenuate reflex sympathetic dystrophy neuralgia.
There is considerable evidence that NMDA receptor antagonists can abolish nociceptor hypersensitivity in animals. In the present case report, two patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy were treated with ketamine, a NMDA antagonist, morphine and bupivacaine. ⋯ Epidural coadministration of low doses of morphine, ketamine and bupivacaine provided effective pain relief in two patients. This suggests synergy from this combination that provides an alternative treatment for reflex sympathetic dystrophy.