Cancer – Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

Transcript

When pain is the dominant symptom, it can be treated with medications such as Gabapentin, Pregabalin, or Duloxetine. These medications help transform the pain from sensation into a non-painful one. Some come in a pill form, some are available in creams, gels, patches that can be applied directly over the area affected by the unpleasant sensation. Capsin, for instance, is one of the newer options to treat painful peripheral neuropathy. Other FDA approved options are Lidocane or Voltaren both come in gel or patches. Alternatively, there is a range of CBD products such as lozenges, oils and creams that may be helpful in managing the pain. In addition to the traditional therapies, there are compounded formulations using a combination of multiple types of drugs, sometimes including an opioid. These prescriptions only can be filled at a special compounding pharmacy. Check with your doctor if this is an option for you.

In addition to medications, rehabilitation interventions like desensitization. Desensitization should be used as soon as possible in the treatment plan for painful peripheral neuropathy. They not only help with the treatment of the pain, but also prevent injuries and most importantly, farther functional deterioration. For example, if you have reduced sensation in your hands or feet, you will be more likely to be burned since you won’t be able to sense the heat. People who have loss of sensation in their feet, don’t feel stable when they walk and they are more likely to fall. So therefore function and safety always come first. Some of the medications mentioned in the previous section cause sleepiness or dizziness and increase the risk of falling. Ask your doctor about the side effects of the therapies they recommend.

Glossary:

Compounded formulations – a custom formulation of a medication prepared to fit the individual needs of the patient

Desensitization – a treatment used to decrease the body’s response to a sensation

Neuropathy – damage to nerves that can cause unusual sensations such as numbness or tingling