Gabapentin for the symptomatic treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in patients with late-stage lyme borreliosis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic neuropathic pain occurs in 10-15% of patients with neuroborreliosis and is difficult to treat.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of gabapentin monotherapy on residual pain in patients with neuroborreliosis after intravenous ceftriaxone treatment.

METHODS: Ten patients with neuroborreliosis and a long-lasting history of neurologic symptoms were treated with gabapentin, starting with 300 mg/day. Doses were raised over a period of 4-12 weeks to the individually effective and tolerated maximum dose (500-1,200 mg). Treatment was maintained until pain disappeared and then gradually reduced in dose over weeks. If symptoms recurred, the doses were raised again. Therapy was maintained over an average of 1-2 years.

RESULTS: Pain quality and pain quantity were evaluated using the McGill pain questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. There was an improvement of 'crawling' and 'burning' pain sensations, neck and radiating lumbar pain in 9/10 (90%) patients as well as a positive effect on mood, general feeling of health and quality of sleep in 5/10 (50%) patients. The average dose leading to a clear-cut pain reduction was 700 mg.

CONCLUSIONS: In an open pilot study (10 patients), gabapentin monotherapy which has to our knowledge not been published as treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in patients with late Lyme borreliosis is efficacious in treating pain associated with neuroborreliosis and can thus improve quality of life in these patients.