Brachioradial pruritus successfully treated with gabapentin

J Dermatol. 2010 Jul;37(7):662-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00830.x.

Abstract

Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is a mysterious entity characterized by localized pruritus of the dorsolateral aspect of the arm. The precise etiology of BRP remains unknown, but sun exposure and/or cervical spine lesions seem to be triggering or at least aggravating factors. Many treatment alternatives including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical capsaicin, topical corticosteroids, photoprotection, carbamazepine and acupuncture have been used with different success rates. Recently, gabapentin, an antiepileptic agent, has been reported to be an effective therapeutic agent in BRP. Herein, we report a 64-year-old man with BRP who showed good response to gabapentin therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amines / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Forearm*
  • Gabapentin
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pruritus / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Stenosis / complications
  • Spinal Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Amines
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin