Which condition is an example of CENTRAL neuropathic pain?

Central neuropathic pain arises from dysfunction within the nervous system, particularly involving the brain or spinal cord. This type of pain is distinct from peripheral neuropathic pain, which originates from injury or damage to the peripheral nerves.

HIV-related neuropathic pain is classified as central neuropathic pain because it can involve the central nervous system, particularly in cases where the virus affects the spinal cord or brain, leading to pain that is often complex, multifaceted, and can be resistant to typical analgesics. The pathophysiology can include direct viral effects on the nervous system or opportunistic infections that disrupt normal signaling. This differentiates it from conditions like osteoarthritis or diabetic neuropathy, which are examples of peripheral causes of pain, as they primarily involve the joints or peripheral nerves, respectively. Internal organ pain can also be referred to as somatic or visceral pain but does not necessarily imply central nervous system involvement in the way that HIV-related neuropathic pain does.