Neuropathic pain results from damage to the peripheral nervous system or the central nervous system (CNS), or both. It is described as “sharp,” “electric,” or “burning” pain, singly or in combination, and is usually found in the same distribution pattern as a sensory peripheral nerve. Pain resulting from trauma to the CNS that partially or completely separates the CNS from the peripheral nervous system is termed deafferentation pain.
Central pain may be the result of a cerebral vascular accident and is characterized as “vicelike” or “throbbing,” or both; headaches are described as “dull” and “never-relenting.”
3(pp21,24)