Clinical Improvement in Patients with Neuralgic Upper Limb Pain Treated with Pregabalin and Gabapentin: A Comparative Study

Background: Neuralgic upper limb pain can cause significant pain and functional disability. Pregabalin and Gabapentin are commonly used in its management. This study compared the clinical outcomes of patients treated with these two drugs. Methods: A comparative study of 60 patients with neuralgic pain in the upper limb. The patients were divided into two groups, each of 30 patients: Pregabalin was administered to Group I and Gabapentin to Group II. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ) at baseline, 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Patient satisfaction and adverse effects were noted during follow-up also. Results: NRS scores decreased from 7.16±0.69 to 2.26±1.01 in the Pregabalin group and from 6.83±0.75 to 1.76±0.62 in the Gabapentin group at 6 weeks (p<0.001 within both groups). PDQ scores decreased from 11.96±2.55 to 3.73±2.04 and from 14.90±3.06 to 3.20±1.71, respectively (p<0.001 within both groups). Patient satisfaction improved during follow-up. Reported adverse effects included somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, peripheral edema, and weight gain. Conclusion: Both Pregabalin and Gabapentin groups showed significant improvement in pain and functional disability over the 6-week follow-up period. The reported clinical outcomes were comparable between the two treatment groups.