Notalgia Research Articles

Scalp Dysesthesia Related to Cervical Spine Disease

Scalp dysesthesia is characterized by abnormal sensations of the scalp in the absence of any other unusual physical examination findings. The pathogenesis of this condition is unknown but has been reported in the setting of underlying psychiatric disorders. Other localized pruritic syndromes, including brachioradial pruritus and notalgia paresthetica, have been associated with pathologic conditions of the spine and have been successfully treated with gabapentin. Among 15 women identified in a retrospective review of medical records as having been seen with scalp dysesthesia, 14 patients had cervical spine disease confirmed by imaging. The most common finding on imaging was degenerative disk disease, with 10 of 14 patients having these changes at C5-C6. Other abnormal imaging findings included anterolisthesis, osteophytic spurring, lordosis, kyphosis, and nerve root impingement. A gabapentin regimen (topical or oral) had been recommended to 14 patients; of 7 patients who were followed up, 4 patients noted improvement in symptoms when taking gabapentin. Patients with scalp dysesthesia also had abnormal cervical spine images. Chronic muscle tension placed on the pericranial muscles and scalp aponeurosis secondary to the underlying cervical spine disease may lead to the symptoms of scalp dysesthesia.

Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch

Background:Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a very common, under-recognized condition characterized by pruritus in a unilateral, dermatomal distribution in the mid-back. Chronic pruritus is sometimes accompanied by pain, paresthesias, or altered sensation to touch.Objectives:To review the current literature with regards to the cause of NP and its most appropriate treatment.Methods:Comprehensive literature review using PubMed to inspect the available data on NP.Results:The most likely cause of NP is cutaneous nerve damage. Many therapies have been tried in the treatment of NP, mostly in small case studies.Conclusions:The published cases and studies suggest symptoms of NP are due to a cutaneous sensory neuropathy. Treatments addressing the condition as such are more successful than traditional itch therapies. In many cases, a simple explanation for the persistent pruritus is satisfactory for patients. For very distressing cases, therapy should address the condition as a benign sensory neuropathy. Further studies are needed to evaluate which treatments have the greatest potential for providing symptom relief.

Notalgia Paraesthetica: A Descriptive Two-cohort Study of 65 Patients from Brazil and Germany

Notalgia paraesthetica is a neuropathic pruritus on the back. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine patient characteristics in a consecutive cohort from Brazil and Germany. A total of 65 patients (49 women, 16 men; age range 25-80 years, mean 56.2 ± 12.7 years; median 57.0 years) were investigated in order to determine the spinal or peripheral origin of notalgia paraesthetica. Protein gene product 9.5-positive intraepidermal nerve fibers were significantly reduced in the pruritic compared with the non-lesional area (p < 0.05). In 32.3% of patients, radiological examinations showed a stenosis and in 47.7% a degeneration. A correlation between the radiological findings and the exact dermatomal localization of notalgia paraesthetica was found in 15.7% of the involved areas. The significant reduction in intraepidermal nerve fiber density suggests that damage to the peripheral nerves is a more important aetiological factor than spinal changes in notalgia paraesthetica.

Treatment of notalgia paraesthetica with an 8% capsaicin patch

Funding sources: none. Conflicts of interest: none declared. Madam, Two patients with severe pruritus on the upper back were referred to our outpatient pruritus clinic. The first patient, a 73‐year‐old woman, was diagnosed with an atypical form of notalgia paraesthetica (NP) presenting with prurigo nodularis‐like skin lesions in two symmetrical paravertebral hyperpigmented maculae with intense itching (Fig. 1a). An X‐ray revealed a herniated vertebral disc in the cervical spine, matching the affected dermatomes. The second patient was a 61‐year‐old woman with NP complaining of intense itch located in the right mid‐scapular region. She presented with a hyperpigmented, mildly erythematous macula in the area of the pruritus. Radiological examination revealed kyphosis and spondylitis of the thoracic spine. Both patients had multiple previous topical and systemic treatments. We decided to treat both patients for 60 min with Qutenza® (NeurogesX, Inc., San Mateo, CA, U.S.A.), an 8% capsaicin patch. The first patient tolerated the patch for only 20 min because it became too painful. The second patient tolerated the patch well, with a mild to moderate burning sensation throughout the application time and for a further 30 min. Capsaicin treatment is known to lead to stinging and burning, therefore the area of contact with the 8% capsaicin patch has to be pretreated with EMLA® (AstraZeneca, London, U.K.). The most likely reason for the painful sensation in the first patient is that there were some erosive lesions in the pruritic areas. Although we anticipated that this could be a limiting factor (and informed the patient accordingly), the patient was willing to proceed.

Neuropathic Itch

Chronic itch can be caused by dysfunctions of itch-sensing neurons that produce sensory hallucinations of pruritogenic stimuli. The cellular and molecular mechanisms are still unknown. All neurological disease categories have been implicated, and neurological causes should be considered for patients with otherwise-unexplained itch. The same neurological illnesses that cause neuropathic pain can also or instead cause itch. These include shingles (particularly of the head or neck), small-fiber polyneuropathies, radiculopathies (eg, notalgia paresthetica and brachioradial pruritis), and diverse lesions of the trigeminal nerve, root, and central tracts. Central nervous system lesions affecting sensory pathways, including strokes, multiple sclerosis, and cavernous hemangiomas, can cause central itch. Neuropathic itch is a potent trigger of reflex and volitional scratching although this provides only fleeting relief. Rare patients whose lesion causes sensory loss as well as neuropathic itch can scratch deeply enough to cause painless self-injury. The most common location is on the face (trigeminal trophic syndrome). Treating neuropathic itch is difficult; antihistamines, corticosteroids, and most pain medications are largely ineffective. Current treatment recommendations include local or systemic administration of inhibitors of neuronal excitability (especially local anesthetics) and barriers to reduce scratching.

Notalgia Paresthetica: Successful Treatment with Exercises

Notalgia Paresthetica: Successful Treatment with Exercises

Systematic review of topical capsaicin in the treatment of pruritus

To determine the efficacy of topical capsaicin in treating pruritus in any medical condition. Cochrane library, Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Amed, up to April 2008. No language restrictions. Randomized, controlled trials comparing topically applied capsaicin with placebo or other standard treatment in patients with pruritus, independently selected by two reviewers. Independently extracted by two reviewers. Quality assessed using the Jadad scale. Six randomized controlled trials were identified for inclusion. Three were for hemodialysis-related pruritus and provided insufficient data for the efficacy of topical capsaicin to be evaluated. A crossover study of capsaicin for treating idiopathic intractable pruritus ani reported a statistically significant difference in responder rates favoring capsaicin over placebo for itching scores but included insufficient data for the validity of this result to be assessed. A study on notalgia paresthetica reported a statistically significant difference in the first phase of a crossover study favoring capsaicin over placebo in a visual analogue scale for itch intensity but failed to report data for a second outcome measure. The final study on brachioradial pruritus used an inappropriate design and reported no significant reduction in itch between capsaicin and placebo. At present, there is no convincing evidence for the use of capsaicin to treat pruritus in any medical condition. Further research is needed, and should attempt to address methodological issues identified through this review including unblinding and the suitability of crossover designs.

Notalgia paresthesica successfully treated with narrow‐band UVB: report of five cases

Notalgia paresthesica is a disorder of unknown origin characterized by pruritus localized to the patients' back. Local pain, burning or paresthesias have also been described. No definite treatments have been found for this disorder and most of those reported to date are anecdotal. Topical capsaicin is the option most widely used among dermatologists. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine and botulinum toxin have recently shown promising effects. UVB has been used for decades to treat different pruritic skin diseases, but its benefits in the management of NP have not been stated to date. To test the effects of UVB in notalgia paresthesica. Methods We used a course of UVB narrow band to treat five patients with notalgia paresthesica. The treatment was administered following a phototype protocol in a UV 7002 cabinet. We provide the results of a course of UVB narrow-band phototherapy in five patients. Phototherapy contributed substantially to improve pruritus in all of them. Given the benefits achieved, we stress the interest of UVB narrow-band as a safe and well tolerated alternative treatment for notalgia paresthetica.

Peripheral nerve field stimulation for pruritus relief in a patient with notalgia paraesthetica

This case study is presented to exemplify the application of peripheral nerve field stimulation in the treatment of recalcitrant notalgia paraesthetica. The patient was a 60-year-old woman with severe and disabling notalgia paraesthetica. The itch persisted despite the use of several medications - topical and oral. Following a successful trial of peripheral nerve field stimulation with a temporary electrode, two subcutaneous electrodes were inserted into the affected area with a battery implanted subcutaneously in her right buttock. The patient was reviewed at 5 months post implantation. She reported a greater than 85% improvement in her itch. She also reported a major improvement in her quality of life, with particular improvement in her ability to sleep through the night. This case illustrates the possible utilization of peripheral nerve field stimulation in the treatment of notalgia paraesthetica, which is a common yet poorly understood and treated condition. Replication and controlled studies are required to determine the general applicability of this approach.

Surgical decompression for notalgia paresthetica: A case report

Notalgia paresthetica is a rare nerve compression. From the Greek word noton, meaning "back," and algia, meaning "pain," "notalgia paresthetica" implies that symptoms of burning pain, itching, and/or numbness in the localized region between the spinous processes of T2 through T6 and the medial border of the scapula constitute a nerve compression syndrome. The compressed nerve is the dorsal branch of the spinal nerve. It is compressed by the paraspinous muscles and fascia against the transverse process of these spinal segments. This is the first report of symptomatic relief by decompression of this nerve.

Neuropathic itch caused by nerve root compression: brachioradial pruritus and notalgia paresthetica / Neuropatski pruritus (svrab) prouzrokovan kompresijom nervnih korenova - brahioradijalni pruritus i nostalgija parestetika

AbstractNeuropathic itch (itching or pruritus) arises from a pathology located at any point along the afferent pathway of the nervous system. It may be related to damage to the peripheral nervous system, such as in postherpetic neuropathy, brachioradial pruritus or notalgia paresthetica. It has many clinical features similar to neuropathic pain. Patients complain of itching, which is associated with burning sensation, aching, and stinging. Brachioradial pruritis (BP) is an intense itching sensation of the arm, usually between the shoulder and elbow of one or both arms. It is an enigmatic condition with a controversial etiology; some authors consider BP to be a photodermatosis, whereas other authors attribute BP to compression of cervical nerve roots. Notalgia paresthetica is an isolated mononeuropathy involving the skin over or near the scapula. Patients have a pruritus on the mid-upper back. The treatment is usually difficult, but capsaicin and local analgesic agents are the options of choice. Brachioradial pruritus and notalgia paresthetica are often unrecognized neurocutaneous conditions and therefore, a thorough history and physical examination are of utmost importance to distinguish symptoms and apply accurate therapeutic options.

La toxine botulique dans les maladies dermatologiques invalidantes

Botulinum toxin could represent nowadays a new treatment modality especially for cutaneous conditions in course of which conventional treatments remain unsuccessful. Besides palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin has demonstrated efficacy in different conditions associated with hyperhidrosis, such as dyshidrosis, multiple eccrine hidrocystomas, hidradenitis suppurativa, Frey syndrome, but also in different conditions worsened by hyperhidrosis such as Hailey-Hailey disease, Darier disease, inversed psoriasis, aquagenic palmoplantar keratoderma, pachyonychia congenital. Moreover, different cutaneous conditions associated with sensitive disorders and/or neurological involvements could benefit from botulinum toxin, for example anal fissures, leg ulcers, lichen simplex, notalgia paresthetica, vestibulitis. Endly, a case of cutis laxa was described where the patient was improved by cutaneous injections of botulinum toxin.

Prurito braquiorradial como síntoma de radiculopatía cervical

Brachioradial pruritus is characterized by the presence of pruritus on the lateral aspect of the arms. The etiology of this enigmatic entity is the subject of some debate —some authors claim that brachioradial pruritus is a photodermatosis whereas others attribute it to the presence of underlying cervical radiculopathy. In these case reports, we present our experience with brachioradial pruritus and discuss the role of underlying neuropathy in its etiology and that of other types of localized pruritus such as notalgia paresthetica, anogenital pruritus, and burning mouth syndrome.

Neuropathic and psychogenic itch

Neuropathic and psychogenic itch are two entities that have not been well studied. Neuropathic itch is related to pathology located at any point along the afferent pathway of the nervous system. It could be related to damage to the peripheral nervous system, such as in postherpetic neuropathy, brachioradial pruritus, notalgia paresthetica, and in central nervous system damage as a result of spinal cord tumors and demyelinization diseases such as multiple sclerosis. It has many clinical features similar to neuropathic pain. Patients complain of itch, which coincides with burning sensation, aching, and stinging. Psychogenic itch is related to psychologic abnormalities e.g., itch in obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, and delusions of parasitosis. Although no controlled studies have been conducted for treatment of neuropathic and psychogenic itch, medications that are part of the treatment armentarium for neuropathic pain, depression, and anxiety seem to be effective.

Brachioradial Pruritus as a Symptom of Cervical Radiculopathy

Brachioradial pruritus is characterized by the presence of pruritus on the lateral aspect of the arms. The etiology of this enigmatic entity is the subject of some debate —some authors claim that brachioradial pruritus is a photodermatosis whereas others attribute it to the presence of underlying cervical radiculopathy. In these case reports, we present our experience with brachioradial pruritus and discuss the role of underlying neuropathy in its etiology and that of other types of localized pruritus such as notalgia paresthetica, anogenital pruritus, and burning mouth syndrome.

Recent Advances in Pathophysiology and Current Management of Itch

The neurophysiology of itch, the dominant symptom of skin disease, has previously received scant attention. Recent advances in the neurophysiology and molecular basis of itch include the use of microneurography to demonstrate the existence of a subset of itch-dedicated afferent C neurons distinct from neurons which transmit pain; use of functional positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to reveal an itch-specific activation matrix, and new evidence of a functional "dialogue" between C neuron terminals and dermal mast cells in which recently described proteinase-activated receptor type 2 (PAR2) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors, proteases and endovanilloids play a major role. As a necessary prerequisite to diagnosis and management, a pathophysiologically based classification of itch is proposed. Recent advances in understanding of the pathomechanisms of itch of cholestasis include the role of opioids and opioid antagonists. Focusing on neurogenic itch (itch without visible rash), common causes are reviewed and guidelines for laboratory and radiological investigation are proposed. A stepwise approach to management of generalised itch is recommended, including broadband or narrow band ultraviolet (UV), tricyclics such as doxepin, opioid antagonists including naltrexone and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine. For troublesome localised itches such as insect bite reactions, physical urticaria, lichen simplex chronicus or, less commonly, notalgia paraesthetica, brachioradial pruritus, local cooling devices which rely on the cooling action of dimethyl ethers on thermosensitive TRP voltage-sensitive ion channels are now commercially available for shortterm relief.

Successful Treatment of Notalgia Paresthetica With Botulinum Toxin Type A

Successful Treatment of Notalgia Paresthetica With Botulinum Toxin Type A

Gabapentin treatment for notalgia paresthetica, a common isolated peripheral sensory neuropathy

Gabapentin treatment for notalgia paresthetica, a common isolated peripheral sensory neuropathy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation offers partial relief in notalgia paresthetica patients with a relevant spinal pathology

There is yet no established mode of curative treatment for notalgia paresthetica (NP). We had previously shown a correlation of NP localization with relevant spinal changes which led us to speculate on the possible role of spinal nerve impingement in the pathogenesis of this entity. Based on these findings we aimed to investigate the possible effect of physical therapy in selected cases of NP. Fifteen NP patients with a relevant spinal pathology (four men and 11 women) were included in the study. The mean age was 52.80 +/- 8.83 years (+/- SD; range, 39-73). NP duration was 8.9 +/- 8.13 years (range, 1.5-30). All patients received 10 conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sessions in the symptomatic area of 20 min duration and high frequency (50-100 Hz). From an initial pruritus score of 10, the mean score by the end of first week was 7.67 +/- 2.02 (range, 5-10) and by the end of second week it was 6.80 +/- 2.73 (range, 4-11). The differences between the pretreatment and post-treatment scores were statistically significant. There was no correlation of therapeutic benefit with age or disease duration. We believe that the partial therapeutic benefit of TENS in NP patients is of importance and further research on the effects of various physical therapeutic modalities would be worthwhile.

Investigation of spinal pathology in notalgia paresthetica

A possible association of spinal pathology with notalgia paresthetica (NP) was investigated through clinical and radiographic evaluation. Forty-three NP patients underwent dermatologic and orthopedic examination accompanied by radiography of the spine. Sixty-one lesions in 43 patients were evaluated. In 34 patients, various vertebral pathologies were observed radiographically by a blinded investigator, and in 28 of these cases these changes were most prominent in the vertebrae which corresponded to a lesional dermatome. Thirty-seven lesions were accompanied by spinal changes decided to be relevant (60.7%). The striking correlation of NP localization with spinal pathology suggests that spinal nerve impingement may contribute to the pathogenesis of this entity.