Central Neuropathic Pain from Nociceptive System to Drug Approach: A Comprehensive Review
Author(s): Sandisiwe Kema1, Lourdes de Fatima Ibanez Valdes2, Sibi Joseph2, Humberto Foyaca Sibat2*
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to review the recent medical literature on therapeutic approaches to central neuropathic pain.
Methods: The systematic review performed in this study followed the guidelines recommended by PRISMA (2020 statement).
Results: A total of 898 records were identified through the database search. Records underwent title and abstract screening, and 752 were excluded. After removal of duplicates, 114 full-text articles were sought for full-text retrieval. 22 records were further excluded because the full text could not be accessed, and 4 were excluded because they could not be fully translated into English. Further studies were excluded because they were irrelevant to central NP. Ultimately, 36 studies were included for this review.
Conclusions: We hypothesised that “affective motivational” and “cognitive evaluative” regions are part of the network involved in emotional and cognitive functions. Among the 36 publications included in this review, none presented a new hypothesis on the neurotransmitters involved in central neuropathic pain. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to graphically represent all the neurotransmitters working on the transmission of neuropathic central pain.