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Suggest Treatment For Neuropathic Pain

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Posted on Thu, 23 Apr 2015
Question: Since the beginning of the year, I've been getting the inside the skin burning. I believe its called under the skin sunburn. I've had two neck surgeries, level 3 fusion. A plate, two rods and twelve screws in my neck.
After having a root canal and cap in January, the burning is becoming a big problem. Neurologist and pain management don't have a clue. My medicines are Gralise, Oxycodone and pain patches. They tell me not to move the neck much as the nerves are damaged. Can it be resolve?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Which part of the body is affected or is it generalized?

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

I understand your concern fully and would surely like to do my best for your concern but I need to know a few important details first-
1)Firstly and the most important, which part of the body or the whole body(or is it just the extremities) you have skin burning on?
2)Do you have any history of diabetes or chronic alcoholism?
3)Is the burning sensation persistent or intermittent?

Also,Please upload your MRI and EMG results.

Waiting for your follow-up.I shall do my best to resolve your issue.

Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (14 hours later)
Doc:
thanks for getting back to me.
The burning is intermittent and its the whole body. Its gets so bad, clothing on the skin effects it. Leaning my back on a chair, crossing my legs, tongue hitting the roof of my mouth, side that is laying on the mattress.
I noticed that any vibration really sets it off such as a vacuum cleaner, pushing a lawn mower, even with an electric shaver on my face.
The only thing that will help is gralise. I'm not good with Lyrica, Cymbalta, Celebrex, etc. The Gabapentin they wanted me to take knocked me out. So I take Gralise.
I have been on Oxycodone, two 10 mg. per day, since I fell off the ladder 6 years ago. Pain management stated due to the injury and the two neck operations, I'll never get off due to the pain it would bring on.
I just had some MRI's taken of the body and neck as well as EMG's on my body.
For some reason, the neurologist is not cooperating on giving me the reports.
The MRI I had to go to the Image place and pick them up myself. The EMGs they did, and when I saw her the other day I stated I needed a report in case I went the the ER so they would have something to work on. She just looked at me. I have the feeling there was no report written. Now I have to make an appointment with my regular doctor to see what he can do.
The only thing the neurologist said was that the nerves are in worse shape than the report I showed her from 4 years ago.
At the age of 59, I am not giving up. Having the plate, two rods and twelve screws in my neck should not be taking my life away. Before falling off the ladder, I was very active.
After the first operation, I was in the hospital for 8 days because my arms could not move. Finally and slowly they did, my the muscles are not the same. They state I have neuropathy, but I have more than that.
I will try and send over reports.
Do I fax them to you?
I need to stop the burning. Its hard to go anywhere knowing one false move can set it off.
Thanks XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibly a central pain syndrome.Upload reports suggesting neuropathy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up and providing detailed history.

I have been through your detailed medical history and after analysing it, I interpret your problems possibly as a central pain syndrome which can manifest with widespread burning sensation also.
Neuropathic pain is typically present in limbs and is not precipitated on maneuvers like leaning back on chair or crossing the legs.This rather is a manifestation of central pain syndrome.
Please upload the reports here, which suggest that you are having neuropathy.

Regarding management, as you have already tried lyrica and cymbalta, and found them not work for you; you should continue with gralise. Oxycodone should not be taken chronically. Please consult your pain specialist to taper it as chronic opioid intake may lead to opioid addiction and abuse.

Rather, tricyclic antidepressant like amitriptyline should be tried, which can be very effective in majority of cases. Anti-neuralgic patches may also be used.

Practically speaking, treatment of neuropathic pain is nothing but the hit and trial of anti-nauralgic medicines, in a search to find the one which best suits you.

Hope I have answered your query for now. If you have any follow-up questions, I shall be glad to answer else, please close the thread-rate it and write a review. Your rating will be of help to me.

Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (4 hours later)
Tried the Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline and could not handle both unfortunately.
I had dental root canal and replacement of tooth. Read where root canals and the metal in teeth can also cause a problem. Also, allergy to the titanium hardware could be an issue. Could this be a problem, and should I get a Melisa test?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possibly.This is an important history.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up and providing further details.

With the background of your treatment history,you should continue with gralise and try to taper opioids.

Metal in teeth is an important history and your doubt of a titanium allergy is a significant here.Surely,you should go for Melisa test as this hypersensitivity can be a potential trigger for your pain syndrome.This can be a trigger factor for a central pain syndrome.

Hope I have answered your query for now. If you have any follow-up questions, I shall be glad to answer else, please close the thread-rate it and write a review. Your rating will be of help to me.

Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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Dr. Ajay Panwar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1827 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Neuropathic Pain

Brief Answer: Which part of the body is affected or is it generalized? Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com. I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query. I understand your concern fully and would surely like to do my best for your concern but I need to know a few important details first- 1)Firstly and the most important, which part of the body or the whole body(or is it just the extremities) you have skin burning on? 2)Do you have any history of diabetes or chronic alcoholism? 3)Is the burning sensation persistent or intermittent? Also,Please upload your MRI and EMG results. Waiting for your follow-up.I shall do my best to resolve your issue. Dr.Ajay Panwar, MD,DM(Neurology)