Exploring the prevalence, characteristics and nursing assessment of neuropathic pain
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

Exploring the prevalence, characteristics and nursing assessment of neuropathic pain

Martin Galligan Lecturer practitioner, The Royal Marsden School, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To enhance your understanding of the causes and characteristics of neuropathic pain

  • To increase your knowledge of the physiology and types of neuropathic pain

  • To recognise the importance of undertaking a holistic assessment of neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain results from damage to the nerves. It affects many in the general population, but its prevalence is higher in certain groups, for example those who have undergone certain procedures or systemic anti-cancer therapy and people with conditions such as diabetes mellitus, viral infections or central nervous system disorders. Regardless of the cause, neuropathic pain can have significant adverse effects on people’s quality of life, so nurses need to be able to conduct a holistic pain assessment that incorporates physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects. This article explores the prevalence, characteristics and nursing assessment of neuropathic pain with the aim of improving nurses’ awareness, practice and care of people affected by this type of pain.

Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12138

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

@boywonder1989

Correspondence

martin.galligan@nhs.net

Conflict of interest

None declared

Galligan M (2023) Exploring the prevalence, characteristics and nursing assessment of neuropathic pain. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12138

Published online: 29 August 2023

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