All pain is not the same: an overview of neuropathic pain in the elderly.

Pain is a common complaint in the elderly patient. Chronic pain can be either nociceptive or neuropathic. Postherpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy are two of the most common forms of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain can significantly affect an elderly patient's quality of life and increase use of health care resources. Several pharmacologic treatments have been shown to provide relief for neuropathic pain, including tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, tramadol, and opioids. Topical analgesics may also provide some benefit.