HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Scalp Pain While On Lyrica?

default
Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016
Question: I began taking Lyrica three days ago (50mg/day), and noticed tenderness/pain on my scalp, i.e. a pain in a small area on the top/back of my scalp. Is this significant? Should I call the Pain Management anesthesiologist who recommended the Lyrica for neuropathic pain that I have been experiencing for the last three months? Could this be simply another expression of the neuropathic pain?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pain may be drug related

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The scalp tenderness is not related to neuropathic pain. If there is no history of trauma then it can be swelling due to Lyrica.
You can continue if symptoms are not bothering and pain is responsive.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (5 hours later)
Dr. Kumar: Thank you for your prompt response. As a follow up question with respect to the neuropathic pain that I have been experiencing since January 2016: The pain has been primarily a burning, lancinating, intermittent pain in my right inner thigh and in my right groin. However, I have also experienced similar pain in my left inner thigh, and in certain points in my right and left calf. The Pain Management doctor has recommended that I have a Nerve Block in my GenitoFemoral nerve on my right side. But, if the neuropathic pain is intermittent, and has expressed itself in other areas of my body besides my right inner thigh, does it make sense to have a Nerve Block of the GenitoFemoral nerve on my right side? The Oxcarbazepine that I have been taking has diminished the neuropathic pain such that I haven't experienced any "attacks" in the last ten days or so. It is not clear whether the 50mg dose per day of Lyrica is helpful. Should I have the Nerve Block (which is scheduled for next week), or should I defer it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Get investigated in details

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The distribution of pain is highly unlikely to be a neuropathic pain and requires investigations before going for nerve block. As your symptoms are responsive to pain ,you can defer the procedure. Pain in this area may be related to ureteric problem, testicular problems and abdominal problems too.
Is there any back pain?
You can continue lyrica in prescribed doses.
Provide any investigation or nerve conduction study.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (19 hours later)
Dr. XXXXXXX In response to your answer: I do not have any back pain. 80% of the intermittent, burning pains that I have had have been in my right inner thigh, and on top of my right thigh. While these pains (which have been debilitating when they occur) indicate, by themselves, genitofemoral nerve disfunction, I have had other, similar pains as I have indicated in my previous e-mail. The pains seem to be systemic in nature rather than limited to my right inner thigh and right groin. My neurologist and anesthesiologist did not mention ureteric problems, testicular problems or abdominal problems, nor did they suggest a nerve conduction study. The Oxcarbazepine has quelled the burning pains and has transformed the "attacks" from "burning" in nature to "aching" in nature. I can live with the aching attacks. However, I'm unsure about a Nerve Block at this time. I have been told that the pains are neuropathic, and may go into remission after a time. Do you agree that I should defer the Nerve Block, based upon this information?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Continue medications and defer nerve block

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Nerve blocks can be deferred if the response to medications are good.
Nerve conduction study is used to look for any abnormalities in nerve.
Genitofemoral nerves cannot be investigated with a nerve conduction study.
You can wait for some time to get this resolved if other issues are not present.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2259 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Scalp Pain While On Lyrica?

Brief Answer: Pain may be drug related Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. The scalp tenderness is not related to neuropathic pain. If there is no history of trauma then it can be swelling due to Lyrica. You can continue if symptoms are not bothering and pain is responsive. Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back to me for further queries. Regards Dr N Kumar Neurologist