Erythromelalgia pain managed with gabapentin

ERYTHROMELALGIA is a rare syndrome characterized by episodic burning pain, erythema, and elevated temperature of the feet, hands, or both.[1,2] The syndrome can occur alone or with myeloproliferative or other diseases.[3-5] Attacks may last from minutes to days and can persist indefinitely in the absence of treatment. The pathophysiology of erythromelalgia is poorly understood. Case reports in the literature have implicated abnormalities of arterioles, platelets, and peripheral nerves. [6-11] Patients typically obtain relief from elevating and cooling the involved extremity. This relief usually is temporary, with some patients developing immersion injury from prolonged exposure to cold water. Symptomatic responses have been reported to aspirin therapy, [12,13] vasodilators,[14] beta blockers,[15] tricyclic antidepressants,[16] and regional local anesthetic techniques.[17,18]