Peculiarities of neuropathic pain in children

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In spite of its importance, neuropathic pain is underestimated and undertreated in childhood. Although many conditions causing neuropathic pain in adults are uncommon during childhood, most therapeutic strategies effective for adults were extrapolated for the pediatric population. This study aimed at bringing to light peculiarities of neuropathic pain in children, which shall contribute for its better recognition in childhood and adolescence. CONTENTS: Pubmed, Scielo and Lilacs databases were queried to identify studies and literature reviews on neuropathic pain during childhood and adolescence. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain treatment in childhood and adolescence should be multimodal, including pharmacological treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support. Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and integrative therapies should be part of the integral treatment in childhood and adolescence and vary in a case-by-case basis.

Keywords

• adolescence
• childhood
• children
• integrative therapy
• neuropathic pain
• occupational therapy
• pharmacology
• rehabilitation