The upcoming ICD-11 revision offers a unique opportunity to improve the representation of painful disorders, with a focus on chronic neuropathic pain. The new classification lists common conditions of peripheral and central neuropathic pain, highlighting the prevalence and importance of chronic neuropathic pain in the general population. Specific diagnostic criteria and treatment options are crucial for accurate classification and management of chronic neuropathic pain in ICD-11.
Neuropathic pain can result from various disorders affecting the somatosensory nervous system, leading to chronic pain that is often challenging to manage. The mechanistic underpinnings and phenotypes of neuropathic pain offer insights into distinguishing pain syndromes clinically, despite limitations in diagnostic tools. Imaging studies and sensory tests play a role in understanding neuropathic pain mechanisms, which contribute significantly to the global burden of disease.
The current version of ICD-10 lacks a structured classification for conditions associated with neuropathic pain, leading to underreporting and hindering effective resource management. The complexity and incomplete coverage of neuropathic pain conditions in ICD-10 underscore the need for a comprehensive and accurate classification system to address the clinical and economic significance of neuropathic pain.