CHAPTER 15 Pain Management^543
- Loss of sensation.
- Burning.
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- History and physical.
- Reflexes.
- Sensation.
- Muscle strength.
- EMG—electomyography.
- Nerve conduction studies.
- Low serum level of vitamin B 12 , which may be the cause of nerve disturbances.
TREATMENT
Treatment options include management of the underlying disease to ameliorate the
neuropathy and treatment of the pain or symptoms caused by the neuropathy.
- Pain relief—see this chapter.
- Antiseizure medication:
- gabapentin
- pregabalin
- carbamazepine—helps neuropathic pain for unknown reasons
- Tricyclic antidepressants:
- amitriptyline
- desipramine
- imipramine—works by blocking the signals sent to the brain
- Lidocaine patch—a topical anesthetic applied directly to the site.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Risk for peripheral neurosensory dysfunction
- Alterations of tactile sensory perception