Korean J Dermatol.  2017 Mar;55(3):198-202.

Notalgia Paresthetica of the Back Successfully Controlled by Pregabalin

• Park MY
• Kim JM
• Kim GW
• Song M
• Kim HS
• Ko HC
• Kim MB
• Kim BS

Abstract

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic localized itch, affecting mainly the inter-scapular area particularly between the T2-T6 dermatomes. Occasionally it has a more widespread distribution and involves the shoulders, back, and upper chest. There are no specific cutaneous signs, apart from those attributed to scratching and rubbing. Various etiologies have been reported, but the cause of NP is not established. The current hypothesis regarding its etiology postulates that a neuropathic itch develops due to nerve entrapment of the posterior rami of spinal nerve arising at T2-T6. Another recent documented case showed an increase in the number of intradermal nerves by neural immunochistochemistry staining of S-100 protein, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). Herein, we experienced an uncommon case of NP of the back and tried to clarify pathogenesis by using quantitative sensory testing, such as neurometer and Von-Frey filaments. Also, we performed neural immunochemistry to confirm an increase in nerve fibers at the site of the lesion.

Keyword

Neurometer; Neuropathic itch; Notalgia paresthetica; Quantitative sensory testing; Von-Frey filaments

MeSH Terms

Immunochemistry
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Nerve Fibers
Pregabalin*
S100 Proteins
Shoulder
Spinal Nerves
Thorax
Pregabalin
S100 Proteins