The effectiveness of gabapentin in patients with chronic radiculopathy

Authors: Yildirim, Kadir; Şışecıoğlu, Meltem; Karatay, Saliha; Erdal, Akin; Levent, Akin; Uğur, Mahir; Şenel, Kazim

Source: The Pain Clinic, Volume 15, Number 3, 2003 , pp. 213-218(6)

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Abstract:

This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of gabapentin in patients with radiculopathy. Fifty patients (32 women, 18 men) with lumbosciatalgia secondary to L₅ or S₁ radiculopathy were evaluated. MRI showed L_4-5 and/or L₅-S₁ bulging and/or protrusion without significant spinal stenosis. Baseline assessments for each patient included a standard neurological examination and radiological investigation. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: group 1 was treated with oral gabapentin from a total of 900 mg per day up a total of 3600 mg per day divided in 3 doses; group 2 received placebo for the 8-week trial period. In group 1 we observed statistically significant improvement in pain at rest (p < 0.001), motor function (p < 0.01), limitation of spinal flexion (p < 0.001), straight leg raising test (p < 0.001) and sensory function (p < 0.001). Stretch reflexes instead did not significantly change. In group 2 we observed significant improvement in all clinical parameters, muscle strength and stretch reflexes excluded. The results of group 1 were significantly better than those of group 2.

Keywords: lumbosciatalgia.; radiculopathy; Gabapentin

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156856903767650718

Publication date: 2003-09-01

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