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I Am Experiencing Mononeuropathic Pain In My Left Arm (thumb
Question: i am experiencing mononeuropathic pain in my left arm (thumb to shoulder and neck) due to a botched phlebotomy on the 16th of July. The pain level varies from 5 to 9. So far, Gabapentin (100mg @ 3 times) has not done much. What else can I (or my doctor) do to lessen the pain?
Brief Answer:
Gabapentin may be taken in higher doses, other treatments explained as well
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Peripheral mononeuropathy is generally treated with gabapentin or pregabalin. They are stared at small doses and gradually increased till the patient is better or the optimal dose is achieved. Gabapentin can be taken (if well tolerated) up to 1800 mg a day. The usual dose is 300 mg three times a day. Thus in your case, you may need an increase in the dose. Your doctor should be involved in this decision.
Other treatments to be tried are amitriptyline, nortriptyline, Duloxetine or Venlafaxine.
Steroids may be used in some cases if inflammation is present. Physiotherapy can be helpful as well.
A technique called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used if the above measures do not provide enough relief.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Gabapentin may be taken in higher doses, other treatments explained as well
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Peripheral mononeuropathy is generally treated with gabapentin or pregabalin. They are stared at small doses and gradually increased till the patient is better or the optimal dose is achieved. Gabapentin can be taken (if well tolerated) up to 1800 mg a day. The usual dose is 300 mg three times a day. Thus in your case, you may need an increase in the dose. Your doctor should be involved in this decision.
Other treatments to be tried are amitriptyline, nortriptyline, Duloxetine or Venlafaxine.
Steroids may be used in some cases if inflammation is present. Physiotherapy can be helpful as well.
A technique called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used if the above measures do not provide enough relief.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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