MEDICATION [ back to Medication Main Page ]

NEUROPATHIC PAIN
Neuropathic pain accompanies a TBI when there is "polytrauma," i.e. not just a blow to the head, but trauma to other parts of the body, with or without broken bones. Some examples are stretch injury to the cervical nerve roots in the neck or the brachial plexus in the shoulder. These can give rise to relatively constant, burning pain, which limits physical activity, makes it hard to sleep and decreases participation in rehabilitation activities. Neuropathic pain understandably causes depression, because triggers release of stress hormones and forces the patient to live in a perpetual state of discomfort. Narcotic type pain relievers (like Vicodin, Vico-profen, Demerol and Percocet) depress the central nervous system so much as to slow cognitive speed and make people drowsy. There are some alternatives. Neurontin (also used as an anti-convulsant) and Effexor XR (an anti-depressant) tend to bring good relief of burning or shooting nerve pain, and are less sedating than narcotic analgesics, especially Effexor. Check with your neurologist for his recommendations.