The economic burden of neuropathic pain in Canada

The management of neuropathic pain (NeP) is a major healthcare consideration from a treatment perspective. The objective of this research was to quantify the economic burden of NeP in Canada. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at primary care sites across three Canadian provinces among patients suffering from NeP associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, cervical radiculopathy and post-operative neuropathy. Economic burden of illness data were collected through an investigator chart review and patient self-administered questionnaires to capture NeP resource utilisation and productivity losses. Primary care physicians enrolled 126 patients with a mean age of 58.7 years (standard deviation (sd) 13.5 years). The 3-month direct costs of NeP were estimated at $1,137 (sd $1,346) in 2003, of which 77% was attributable to NeP prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and visits to other healthcare providers. Indirect costs were estimated at $1,430 (sd $2,027). NeP represents a significant economic burden to the Canadian healthcare system.