Abstract
Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) affects millions of people worldwide, and it is estimated that the prevalence among general population is 7–8 %. Chronic NP is more frequent in women compared to men and in patients above 50 years of age. Lower back, lower limbs, neck, upper lumbar and cervical painful radiculopathies are probably the most frequent sites of chronic NP.
 Objectives: To assess the neuropathic pain & prescription pattern, and management among NP patients.
 Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in general orthopaedics department of Basaveshwara Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chitradurga. 
 Results: In the present study 111 patients who were diagnosed with neuropathic pain were enrolled for the period AUG-2019 to MAR -2020. Females were found to be slightly more than males. The maximum predominant age group of both genders belongs to 40-59 years. 57.66% lumbar radiculopathy NP patients diagnosed were more than cervical radiculopathy 42.34%. Out of 236 total prescribed formulations for 111 patients, 17 active pharmaceutical ingredients with an average of 2 formulations per prescription were noticed. Prescription with combination therapy was common with more usage of pregabalin and mecobalamin followed by combinations of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Drugs (NSAIDs) for the management of NP. NP patients preferred the usage of topical oil, balm applicants and hydro therapy along with regular treatment.
 Conclusion: The study concludes pregabalin and mecobalamin combination formulation is the most currently reliable medication in NP management and also defines additional therapy is the need along with the regular management of NP. 
 Keywords: Neuropathic pain, Cervical radiculopathy, Lumbar radiculopathy, Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Drugs.
Highlights
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines Neuropathic pain (NP) as "pains arising from disease or injury to the peripheral or central nervous systems and from dysfunction of the nervous system.[1]As per World Health Organization (WHO)survey on primary care patients, the prevalence of chronic pain from India was reported as 19%.2 Sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression are frequent and severe in-patients with NP.[3]The management of NP generally focuses on treating symptoms because the cause of the pain can be rarely treated
In the present study 111 patients who were diagnosed with neuropathic pain were enrolled for the period AUG-2019 to MAR -2020
Demographic details of all patients like age, gender, physical activities, medication history, and their diagnosis pattern, management of pain were collected in suitable case record formats. 57 (51.35%) were female and 54 (48.65%) were male, with the maximum number falling under middle- aged group (4059 years) which were similar to a study conducted by Markman J et al 6 and gender ratio in our study females were more when compared to males which are similar to a study conducted by Shrestha R et al.[7]
Summary
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines Neuropathic pain (NP) as "pains arising from disease or injury to the peripheral or central nervous systems and from dysfunction of the nervous system.[1]. Survey on primary care patients, the prevalence of chronic pain from India was reported as 19%.2. Anxiety, depression are frequent and severe in-patients with NP.[3]. The management of NP generally focuses on treating symptoms because the cause of the pain can be rarely treated. Determining the cause of a pain is essential to good management. Antidepressants and antiepileptics are the most studied drugs in NP.[4, 5]
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