Notalgia paresthetica: clinical, physiopathological and therapeutic aspects. A study of 12 cases

Notalgia Paresthetica: An Updated Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic sensory neuropathy characterized by localized pruritus and dysesthesia, most commonly affecting the upper back. Despite being a relatively common condition, it remains underdiagnosed and frequently mismanaged. This review covers the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment approaches for NP.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies support a multifactorial pathogenesis for NP, with compression or irritation of the dorsal rami of thoracic spinal nerves playing a central role. Imaging and electromyography have shown variable utility in diagnosis, while histological findings often lack specificity. Although there is no universally effective treatment, advances in topical medications, systemic oral medications, and interventional therapies may be considered. Physical therapy and postural correction remain important non-pharmacologic strategies. NP is a neuropathic condition with evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Early recognition, multidisciplinary evaluation, and individualized treatment plans are essential for improving patient outcomes. Further research is needed to establish standardized diagnostic criteria and long-term treatment efficacy.

From Compression to Itch: Exploring the Link Between Nerve Compression and Neuropathic Pruritus

Neuropathic itch is a type of chronic pruritus resulting from neural dysfunction along the afferent pathway. It is often accompanied by abnormal sensations such as paresthesia, hyperesthesia, or hypoesthesia. This condition, which may involve motor or autonomic neural damage, significantly impacts patients' quality of life, causing severe itch and associated comorbidities such as depression, disrupted sleep, and social strain. Neuropathic itch accounts for 8% of chronic pruritus cases, though this may be underestimated. This comprehensive review focuses on nerve impingement as the primary pathophysiological mechanism for various forms of neuropathic itch including brachioradial pruritus (BRP), notalgia paresthetica (NP), and anogenital itch. BRP, often seen in middle-aged white women, manifests as pruritus in the dorsolateral forearms typically exacerbated by ultraviolet (UV) exposure and related to cervical spine pathology. NP, prevalent in middle-aged women, presents as pruritus in the upper back due to thoracic spine nerve compression. Anogenital pruritus, affecting 1-5% of adults, is often linked to lumbosacral spine issues after ruling out dermatologic conditions such as lichen sclerosus or lichen simplex chronicus. The pathophysiology of neuropathic itch involves both peripheral and central mechanisms, with nerve damage being a key factor. Diagnosis requires a thorough history, physical examination, and potentially imaging studies. Topical agents such as menthol, capsaicin, and lidocaine are used for mild cases, while systemic medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and antidepressants are prescribed for moderate to severe cases; however, no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies currently exist specifically for neuropathic itch. Understanding the underlying neural dysfunction and appropriate therapeutic strategies is crucial for managing neuropathic itch effectively.

Notalgia Paresthetica Review: Update on Presentation, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic cutaneous neuropathy primarily characterized by localized pruritus and associated dysesthesias, including sensations of pain, numbness, and tingling. The sensory neuropathy characteristic of NP is thought to result from spinal nerve entrapment caused by degenerative changes in the spine or musculoskeletal compression. This review summarizes the current medical literature with a focus on the past five years regarding NP, its pathophysiology, presentation, and current treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

Though treatments exist with varying efficacy, to date, there exists no definitive treatment for NP. Treatment options for NP are varied and range from topical and oral agents to interventional procedures and physical therapy. Of the treatments evaluated, topical capsaicin remains the most efficacious treatment for NP.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of established treatment guidelines makes treating NP complicated as it dramatically affects patients' quality of life. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to evaluate better the most effective treatment and dosing regimen for patients afflicted with NP.

Notalgia paresthetica: An underdiagnosed condition in primary care

ABSTRACT

Notalgia paresthetica is a perplexing diagnosis in the primary care setting. Chronic itching, paresthesia, or pain causes discomfort in patients who suffer with notalgia paresthetica and it is thought to be a common but underdiagnosed condition. Recognition of this dermatologic condition can lead to reassurance and relief for affected patients.

Therapeutic Use of Botulinum Neurotoxins in Dermatology: Systematic Review

Botulinum toxin is a superfamily of neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum with well-established efficacy and safety profile in focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxins have also been used in many other skin diseases, in off label regimen. The objective of this manuscript is to review and analyze the main therapeutic applications of botulinum toxins in skin diseases. A systematic review of the published data was conducted, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Botulinum toxins present several label and off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. The best-reported evidence concerns focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis, Raynaud phenomenon, suppurative hidradenitis, Hailey–Hailey disease, epidermolysis bullosa simplex Weber–Cockayne type, Darier’s disease, pachyonychia congenita, aquagenic keratoderma, alopecia, psoriasis, notalgia paresthetica, facial erythema and flushing, and oily skin. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and doses protocols for off label applications.

The etiology of notalgia paresthetica: a descriptive study of 117 patients

BACKGROUND

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a neuropathic itching condition unilaterally localized in the midscapular area. It is a common but an underdiagnosed disease, and only a few studies investigating NP etiology with a limited number of patients have been reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, histopathological, neurological, and radiological findings of NP patients and investigate correlations between them and symptoms of NP to elucidate the etiology of NP.

METHODS

One hundred and seventeen consecutive patients diagnosed with NP were included and assessed in a multidisciplinary and prospective manner. We recorded demographic and clinical data and obtained a skin biopsy from the pruritic or hyperpigmented region. Pruritus severity was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). All patients were evaluated neurologically with magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 47.08 ± 12.28 years. The disease was more common in females (87.2%). Statistical analysis revealed that VAS scores were independent of the age, gender, and skin type of the patient. We found no significant difference in VAS scores between NP patients with or without comorbidities. Vertebral pathologies detected by MRI and amyloid deposition revealed in histopathology were not among the main factors affecting VAS scores.

STUDY LIMITATION

Since consecutive patients enrolled into the study, we could not include equal number of male and female patients.

CONCLUSION

We found no correlation between symptom severity and findings from neurological and histopathological evaluations. Further microneurological studies should be carried out to elucidate the etiology of NP.

Notalgia paresthetica: clinical features, radiological evaluation, and a novel therapeutic option

Background/objective

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a sensory neuropathy characterized by localized pruritus and pain, presenting with or without a well-circumscribed hyperpigmented patch in the upper back. Abnormal sensations, such as burning, numbness, and paresthesia are often present in patients with NP. In this study, we clinically and radiologically analyzed patients with NP. The literature contains studies describing lidocaine treatments involving intravenous and topical applications for NP. We also investigated the effect of intradermal lidocaine injection on patients with NP.

Methods

A total of 80 patients (45 patients with NP and 35 suffering from dorsalgia without NP) were included in the study. The age, gender and body mass index (BMI) of the patients, and the characteristics of their symptoms were recorded. The severity of pain and pruritus was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine were performed. In this study, we intradermally administered lidocaine diluted with saline into the upper back over three sessions. 1 cc 2% lidocaine was diluted with 5 cc 0.9% saline, and a total of 6 cc lidocaine mixture was obtained. The injection was performed locally at 1-cm intervals around the hyperpigmented patch and segmentally along the C2-T6 spinous processes. These patients were called for a follow-up at the second and fourth weeks and third month.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, BMI, VAS-pain score, and duration of symptoms (p > 0.05 for all). Forty-six cervical and/or thoracic degenerative changes or herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) were detected in patients with NP. There was a significantly higher number of HNP at the C6–7 segment and cervical degenerative changes in the NP group (p < 0.05). The VAS-pain and VAS-pruritus scores were significantly decreased at all follow-up sessions, and improvement was sustained by lidocaine up to the third month.

Conclusion

Cervical degenerative changes and HNP of the C6–7 segment seem to be contributing factors for NP. Local lidocaine can be effective for pain relief and pruritus in NP.

The Use of Laser Acupuncture for the Treatment of Neurogenic Pruritus in a Child – a Case History

This report describes the successful treatment using laser acupuncture of a six year old girl with neurogenic pruritus of the abdomen. It is the first case report of neurogenic pruritus treated by laser acupuncture. The main advantage of using low energy laser, as opposed to acupuncture needles, to stimulate points, is that low energy laser causes little or no sensation, which is particularly useful when treating children.

Nerve entrapment syndromes in dermatology: Review and practical approach to treatment

A good understanding of cutaneous nerve entrapment syndromes is important for physicians to provide early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. These syndromes have traditionally been managed with analgesics, antidepressants or antiepileptic medication but this approach is often inadequate and causes frequent adverse medication effects. With early diagnosis and treatment, many nerve entrapment syndromes can be successfully managed with physical, non-pharmacological approaches including stretches, exercises and physiotherapy.

Botulinum Toxin Off-Label Use in Dermatology: A Review

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which causes a flaccid muscle paralysis. It is currently used for aesthetic treatments and in the focal hyperhidrosis. Recently, botulinum toxin has also been used experimentally in many other dermatological conditions with good results.

OBJECTIVE

To review and analyze the possible botulinum toxin off-label applications published.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the published data was conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

this potent drug can lead to several off-label indications of interest for dermatologists. Further clinical trials are still needed to better understand the real efficacy and safety of these applications and to standardize injection and dose protocols.

Chronic pruritus in the elderly: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

Chronic itch in the elderly is a common problem, with a significant impact on quality of life and sleep in elderly patients. Chronic itch may be attributable to several causes, including dry skin, immunosenescence and neural degeneration. Itch may also be caused by skin diseases, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis; systemic conditions, such as end-stage renal disease and diabetes; and psychogenic conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The use of polypharmacy may also cause itch, with or without a rash. Specifically, thiazides and calcium channel blockers have been known to cause itch in elderly patients. Management should be tailored according to the underlying dermatological or systemic aetiology of itch. Topical treatment is the mainstay of therapy, providing special emphasis on skin hydration and barrier repair. In addition, topical and oral medications that target the nervous system and reduce neuronal hypersensitization, such as gabapentin and selective antidepressants, have a role in treating patients with severe chronic itch. Furthermore, management must account for changes in metabolism and pharmacokinetics of drugs in the aging population in order to prevent the occurrence of adverse effects.

Chronic pain and the thoracic spine

In recent years there has been an increased interest in pain neuroscience in physical therapy.1,2 Emerging pain neuroscience research has challenged prevailing models used to understand and treat pain, including the Cartesian model of pain and the pain gate.2-4 Focus has shifted to the brain's processing of a pain experience, the pain neuromatrix and more recently, cortical reorganisation of body maps.2,3,5,6 In turn, these emerging theories have catapulted new treatments, such as therapeutic neuroscience education (TNE)7-10 and graded motor imagery (GMI),11,12 to the forefront of treating people suffering from persistent spinal pain. In line with their increased use, both of these approaches have exponentially gathered increasing evidence to support their use.4,10 For example, various randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown that teaching patients more about the biology and physiology of their pain experience leads to positive changes in pain, pain catastrophization, function, physical movement and healthcare utilisation.7-10 Graded motor imagery, in turn, has shown increasing evidence to help pain and disability in complex pain states such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).11,12 Most research using TNE and GMI has focussed on chronic low back pain (CLBP) and CRPS and none of these advanced pain treatments have been trialled on the thoracic spine. This lack of research and writings in regards to the thoracic spine is not unique to pain science, but also in manual therapy. There are, however, very unique pain neuroscience issues that skilled manual therapists may find clinically meaningful when treating a patient struggling with persistent thoracic pain. Utilising the latest understanding of pain neuroscience, three key clinical chronic thoracic issues will be discussed - hypersensitisation of intercostal nerves, posterior primary rami nerves mimicking Cloward areas and mechanical and sensitisation issues of the spinal dura in the thoracic spine.

Efficacy of gabapentin in the improvement of pruritus and quality of life of patients with notalgia paresthetica

BACKGROUND

notalgia paresthetica is a subdiagnosed sensory neuropathy presenting as a condition of intense itching and hyperchromic macule on the back that interferes with daily habits.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of treatment of notalgia paresthetica using oral gabapentin, assessing the degree of improvement in itching and influence on quality of life. Moreover, to evaluate the signs and symptoms associated with notalgia paresthetica.

METHODS

We conducted an experimental, non-randomized, parallel, non-blinded study including 20 patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of notalgia paresthetica. After application of the visual analogue scale of pain adapted for pruritus and of the questionnaire of dermatology life quality index (DLQI), ten patients with visual analogue scale > 5 were given treatment with gabapentin at the dose of 300 mg/day for four weeks. The other ten were treated with topical capsaicin 0.025% daily for four weeks. After the treatment period, patients answered again the scale of itching.

RESULTS

The use of gabapentin was responsible for a significant improvement in pruritus (p=0.0020). Besides itching and hyperchromic stain on the back, patients reported paresthesia and back pain. It was observed that the main factor in the worsening of the rash is heat.

CONCLUSION

Gabapentin is a good option for the treatment of severe itching caused by nostalgia paresthetica.

Neuropathic itch of the back: a case of notalgia paresthetica

Notalgia paresthetica refers to an isolated mononeuropathy involving chronic localized itch or paresthesia most often at the skin of the scapula or surrounding regions. There are no specific skin manifestations except those arising from chronic scratching and rubbing. The specific etiology remains unknown; however, it has been theorized that the neuropathic itch is caused by sensory nerve entrapment involving the posterior rami of the T2 to T6 nerve root. The entrapment is due to degenerative changes in the vertebrae. We report here a particular case of notalgia paresthetica in a 55-year-old woman. The patient visited our hospital for tingling pain around the left inferior angle of the scapula. Pruritus was first reported seven years ago with tingling pain developing only four months ago. There were no specific skin lesions observed except for excoriation and vague hyperpigmentation. A skin biopsy revealed only epidermal thinning with pigmentary incontinence. The patient was treated with 600 mg of gabapentin daily as well as capsaicin cream. The response was deemed unsatisfactory.

Notalgia paresthetica: treatment using intradermal botulinum toxin A

INTRODUCTION

Notalgia paresthetica is a sensory mononeuropathy that affects dorsal segments T2 to T6. It can have a significant effect on quality of life. Numerous treatments have been used with variable results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five patients diagnosed with notalgia paresthetica were treated with intradermal botulinum toxin A. None had achieved relief of the pruritus with previous treatments.

RESULTS

Variable results were observed after the administration of intradermal botulinum toxin. Complete resolution of the pruritus was not achieved in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Botulinum toxin A appears to be a safe therapeutic option for patients with notalgia paresthetica. However, data currently available come from small patient series, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions regarding the true efficacy and long-term effects of this treatment.

Neuropathic itch caused by nerve root compression: brachioradial pruritus and notalgia paresthetica / Neuropatski pruritus (svrab) prouzrokovan kompresijom nervnih korenova - brahioradijalni pruritus i nostalgija parestetika

Neuropathic itch (itching or pruritus) arises from a pathology located at any point along the afferent pathway of the nervous system. It may be related to damage to the peripheral nervous system, such as in postherpetic neuropathy, brachioradial pruritus or notalgia paresthetica. It has many clinical features similar to neuropathic pain. Patients complain of itching, which is associated with burning sensation, aching, and stinging. Brachioradial pruritis (BP) is an intense itching sensation of the arm, usually between the shoulder and elbow of one or both arms. It is an enigmatic condition with a controversial etiology; some authors consider BP to be a photodermatosis, whereas other authors attribute BP to compression of cervical nerve roots. Notalgia paresthetica is an isolated mononeuropathy involving the skin over or near the scapula. Patients have a pruritus on the mid-upper back. The treatment is usually difficult, but capsaicin and local analgesic agents are the options of choice. Brachioradial pruritus and notalgia paresthetica are often unrecognized neurocutaneous conditions and therefore, a thorough history and physical examination are of utmost importance to distinguish symptoms and apply accurate therapeutic options.

Cutaneous innervation: Form and function

It is useful for dermatologists to know about the innervation of the skin because dysfunction of cutaneous neurons can cause symptoms--such as itching, pain, and paresthesias--that are evaluated by dermatologists. We review the innervation of the skin and update readers about recent neuroscientific discoveries.

Investigation of spinal pathology in notalgia paresthetica

A possible association of spinal pathology with notalgia paresthetica (NP) was investigated through clinical and radiographic evaluation. Forty-three NP patients underwent dermatologic and orthopedic examination accompanied by radiography of the spine. Sixty-one lesions in 43 patients were evaluated. In 34 patients, various vertebral pathologies were observed radiographically by a blinded investigator, and in 28 of these cases these changes were most prominent in the vertebrae which corresponded to a lesional dermatome. Thirty-seven lesions were accompanied by spinal changes decided to be relevant (60.7%). The striking correlation of NP localization with spinal pathology suggests that spinal nerve impingement may contribute to the pathogenesis of this entity.

Central neuropathic itch from spinal-cord cavernous hemangioma: a human case, a possible animal model, and hypotheses about pathogenesis

Cavernous hemangiomas (cavernomas) of the spinal cord are rare congenital malformations that comprise less than 5% of all intramedullary lesions. Despite this rarity, we describe the third case of central neuropathic itch associated with intramedullary cavernoma. Since fewer than 10 cases of central spinal itch from all causes have been published, this concurrence suggests the possibility of a specific association. A middle-aged man developed chronic disabling neuropathic itch and pain affecting his left shoulder and arm after frank hemorrhage of a midcervical cavernoma. We hypothesize that the relatively rostro-dorsal location of his lesion increased its likelihood of causing itch as well as pain. The microscopic pathology of cavernomas, specifically their gliotic rim containing hemosiderin-laden phagocytes, fosters ectopic firing of nearby neurons and makes cranial cavernomas highly epileptogenic. We hypothesize that these pathological features predispose cavernomas to cause central itch if they are located near, but spare, the central itch projection neurons in lamina I of the dorsal horn. Quisqualate injections into the deeper layers (neck) of the dorsal horns of rats produce pathologically similar lesions. Such rats develop unilateral dermatomal hyperalgesia and self-injurious scratching and biting (autotomy). Although this pathological grooming is currently interpreted as a response to chronic pain, we propose that it more likely models scratching provoked by central neuropathic itch, as seen in our patient and others. Study of quisqualate-injected rats may provide leads towards new treatments for neuropathic itch.

Neurogenic pruritus: an unrecognised problem? A retrospective case series of treatment by acupuncture

Intractable localised segmental pruritus without a rash has been reported over the years under various titles depending on the area of the body affected. Notalgia paresthetica and brachioradial pruritus are the two terms used for what is believed to be a form of neuropathy. The clinical observations reported here suggest that other localised cases of pruritus exist that share common clinical features, and the term neurogenic pruritus is suggested to encompass these under one clinical condition. Acupuncture has been used to treat skin conditions, of which pruritus is one symptom. This retrospective study looked at the symptomatic relief of neurogenic pruritus in 16 patients using acupuncture. In 12 cases the affected dermatomes of the body were innervated by cervical spinal nerves, seven innervated by dorsal spinal nerves and four innervated by the lumbar spinal nerves. Seven patients had areas affected by two different regions of the spine. Restricted neck or back movements were noted in patients as were areas of paravertebral spasm or tenderness of the muscles. Total resolution of symptoms as judged by VAS occurred in 75% of patients. Relapse occurred in 37% of patients within 1-12 months following treatment. Acupuncture appeared to be effective in alleviating the distressing symptom of itching in patients presenting with neurogenic pruritus.

Notalgia paresthetica with a significant increase in the number of intradermal nerves

Notalgia paresthetica is an isolated mononeuropathy involving the skin over or near the scapula. The cause remains unknown. We histologically observed a significant increase in the number of dermal nerves in a case of notalgia paresthetica. Immunohistochemical examination using a neural marker, S-100, positively stained the nerves. Interestingly, a biopsy from perilesional skin also showed an abnormal nerve proliferation.

Intractable postherpetic itch and cutaneous deafferentation after facial shingles

Some patients develop chronic itch from neurological injuries, and shingles may be a common cause. Neuropathic itch can lead to self-injury from scratching desensate skin. A 39-year-old woman experienced severe postherpetic itch, but no postherpetic neuralgia, after ophthalmic zoster. Within 1 year, she had painlessly scratched through her frontal skull into her brain. Sensory testing and skin biopsies were performed on itchy and normal scalp to generate preliminary hypotheses about mechanisms of neuropathic itch. Quantitation of epidermal neurites in PGP9.5-immunolabeled skin biopsies demonstrated loss of 96% of epidermal innervation in the itchy area. Quantitative sensory testing indicated severe damage to most sensory modalities except itch. These data indicate that in this patient, severe postherpetic itch was associated with loss of peripheral sensory neurons. Possible mechanisms include electrical hyperactivity of hypo-afferented central itch-specific neurons, selective preservation of peripheral itch-fibers from neighboring unaffected dermatomes, and/or imbalance between excitation and inhibition of second-order sensory neurons.