Contact us today to discuss how we can offer you a more specialist service for your neuropathic pain compensation claim.Call us now on 01225 462871 or complete the Contact Form at the foot of this page. |
BLB Solicitors have many years of experience in helping people pursue neuropathic pain compensation claims. Our solicitors understand neuropathic pain and the impact it has on you and your family.
Below, you will find further information on neuropathic pain, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and how to make a neuropathic pain compensation claim.
Contents
- Neuropathic pain compensation
- What is neuropathic pain?
- What causes neuropathic pain?
- Treatment for neuropathic pain
“Your understanding of my condition was incredible. I immediately felt I was in safe hands and that proved to be true.” TF [£470,000 compensation recovered]
Neuropathic pain compensation
We are leading solicitors for neuropathic pain compensation claims. We have a proven track record of securing for our clients the very best treatment and the maximum compensation they need and deserve to protect them and their families for the future.
If you need a specialist chronic pain lawyer to represent you, please call us today on 01225 462871 to see how we can help.
See our Chronic Pain Case Studies. |
We guarantee:
- The call will be free.
- You will speak directly to one of our highly specialist solicitors.
- We will not hurry you – we want to fully understand your claim and how the condition affects you.
- You will not be put under any pressure to instruct us. We want you to be entirely happy and comfortable with us before you decide to proceed.
- Should you decide to instruct us, if at all possible, the solicitor you have already spoken to will represent you.
- If you decide to instruct us, you will not have to deal further with your current solicitor. We will handle that for you.
In most cases, we can act on a No Win/No Fee basis or under the terms of your legal expenses insurance policy. Find out more about legal costs. |
What is neuropathic pain?
Damage or disease to the ‘somatosensory nervous system’ (SNS) causes neuropathic pain, sometimes referred to as neuralgia. The SNS is the network of nerves that transmit information between the brain and spinal cord from the muscles, skin and other parts of the body.
The pain experienced is usually described as a burning sensation, with affected areas often hypersensitive to touch. Sufferers also often report ‘pins and needles’ and electric shock sensations.
“Andrew’s understanding, professionalism and sheer tenacity was inspirational. His hard work turned the case around resulting in my receiving a settlement which included funds that allow me to receive treatment to help make my condition more bearable. My husband and I are extremely grateful to Andrew and BLB for all they have done for me.” PS (£410,000 compensation recovered)
What causes neuropathic pain?
There is no straightforward answer to this question.
Sufferers of conditions as diverse as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and shingles experience symptoms of neuropathic pain. Other conditions associated with neuropathic pain include accident trauma, cancer, alcoholism, HIV infection, thyroid problems and phantom limb pain following amputation.
Sometimes, however, there is no obvious related condition and the symptoms of neuropathic pain appear in isolation.
Treatment for neuropathic pain
A wide spectrum of treatments are available in the treatment of neuropathic pain, including:
Medication
Neuropathic pain is generally managed with tricyclic antidepressants such as Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline, or antiepileptic drugs such as Pregabalin or Gabapentin. These drugs are sometimes used in combination. There is also evidence for the efficacy of opioids such as Tramadol.
Capsaicin, the active component in chilli, is commonly prescribed in the form of a cream or adhesive patch. However, the intense burning pain experienced by many people in the early stages does limit its use.
Also, corticosteroids can relieve pressure in compression neuropathy, reducing pain.
Physiotherapy
If you suffer neuropathic pain, often pain is not your only symptom. Muscle weakness is common, and treated with physiotherapy. Sufferers also commonly report gastric and related problems, requiring specific medication.
Psychological therapy
Many people suffering from neuropathic pain develop related psychological symptoms, often as a result of frustration over their physical limitations. Psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are particularly helpful in addressing these issues.
Pain management programmes
The idea behind pain management is turning existing with chronic pain into living with chronic pain.
No one universal approach is offered by pain management programmes. Instead, a wide range of treatments and multi-disciplinary support is used to tailor therapy to the individual. Whilst a programme is typically coordinated by a consultant in pain medicine, a patient also receives input from physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists.
The role of the pain clinic is not to ‘cure’ pain, but rather to support patients as they develop self-help skills to control and relieve their pain. Through these coping strategies, it’s hoped that the patient will experience an overall improvement in their quality of life.
Most large hospitals run pain management programmes. In addition to the more common outpatient approach, a few centres offer inpatient programmes. The advantage of inpatient pain management is that for a limited period, usually between two and four weeks, both the patient and the multi-disciplinary team focus entirely on working together to develop coping strategies. This is more difficult when attending as a weekly outpatient.
We have been hugely successful in arranging funding for clients to attend residential pain management programmes.
Alternative therapies
The treatment of neuropathic pain is largely about finding what works for you. Some people find that combining one or more forms of alternative or complementary therapy with more mainstream treatment works well for them. Common examples are acupuncture, herbal remedies and vitamin supplements (particularly Benfotiamine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid).
However, before considering any form of alternative therapy, always check first with your doctor. They will almost certainly support your choice, but it’s important that the alternative therapy does not negatively impact your mainstream treatment.