A multimodal approach to the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Case report

Abstract

In painful diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), an integrated approach is effective, including kinesiotherapy, sleep hygiene, an educational program, and pharmacological agents if indicated. A case of a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus and a painful DPN is presented. The patient received metabolic therapy for a long time, an anticonvulsant at doses that are not the safest in diabetic nephropathy. At the neurological center, the patient's dosage of analgesics was adjusted, and a complex therapy was tailored to improve comorbidities. After 3 months, during therapy, the patient reported decreased neuropathic pain in the legs, decreased hypodynamia level, partial normalization of her emotional state, and normalization of sleep quality. Risk factors for developing neuropathic pain in DPN and effective methods for its treatment as part of a multidisciplinary approach are discussed.

Keywords

• diabetic polyneuropathy
• neuropathic pain
• kinesiotherapy
• therapeutic gymnastics
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• chronic insomnia
• emotional disorders