Peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain in the elderly

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a common symptom in the elderly and tends to increase according to the frequency of related underlying disease. In older patients, cognitive decline and accompanying medical conditions may make early diagnosis difficult. Therefore, a detailed history taking, neurological examination, and laboratory tests should be performed. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, entrapment neuropathy, radiculopathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy are the major causes of peripheral neuropathy in the elderly. When treating elderly patients, the dose of drug should be adjusted in consideration of its side effects. An accurate diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain is essential to improve the quality of life of elderly patients.