The Rehabilitation of Oncological Patients Presenting Neuropathies

Abstract

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP 2011) defines neuropathic pain as “the pain caused by an injury or disease of the somatosensory portion of the nervous system”. The central neuropathic pain is defined as “the pain caused by an injury or disease of the central somatosensory central nervous system”, whereas the peripheral neuropathic pain is defined as “the pain caused by an injury or disease of the peripheral somatosensory nervous system” [1].The peripheral neuropathy describes any affection of the peripheral nervous system. The etiology is vast, there being a number of over 100 possible causes, which causes the global morbidity rate to reach approximately 2.4%. The chronic nature of the pain superposes the everyday routine and leads to the high intake of medication for pain alleviation. The number of cases of neuroplasia has always increased today. This disturbing diagnosis which can potentiate the signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy as well as reduce and limit the treatment options associated with neuropathies. The treatment presupposes a multidisciplinary approach, while the solution to prevent complications involves the control of risk factors and pathophysiological treatment.Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CPIN) is a significant disabling symptom that is tightly connected to the administration of neurotoxic cytostatic agents used for the treatment of neoplasia. CPIN compromises the quality of life and produces pain or discomfort [2].I have sought to produce a presentation of the medicated and physical-kinetic treatment options that have proved their effectiveness during clinical studies or random trials and can be applied to cancer patients presenting with symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, namely with neuropathic pain, and support it with arguments.

The impact of chronic pain on the quality of life and on the functional capacity of cancer patients and their caregivers

“…With the onset of metastasis, the prevalence of pain increases by 25 to 30% and, in the advanced stages of the disease, from 60 to 90%. Pain is the most common symptom of cancer in advanced stages 2,4 . For the oncologic patient, pain may represent worsening prognosis or near death, decreased autonomy, decreased well-being, and quality of life, the threat of increased physical suffering, and a challenge to dignity.…”

Avaliação de qualidade de vida e depressão em pacientes oncológicos e em seus cuidadores e o acesso dos pacientes a reabilitação

“…Diante desse quadro, o bem-estar físico e psíquico do cuidador também pode estar comprometido. 2 Desta forma, sendo a reabilitação uma abordagem multidisciplinar, 3 a mesma pode garantir melhor qualidade de vida, minimizando sintomas depressivos nos pacientes oncológicos. A reabilitação é importante tanto para aspectos psicológicos quanto para os funcionais, e se implantada adequadamente, pode resultar na independência do paciente, controle da dor e retorno às atividades diárias com normalidade.…”