Neuropathic Itch

My itching was cervical stenosis. I had a cervical decompression and fusion Feb. 1, 2023 @ C6-T2 and the itching is now gone.
It started in my arms.
Only left shoulder blade itched and had hyperpigmentation from scratching. Plus, choking on solid food = structure and headache stemming from back of neck. (Vagus nerve)
I’m glad you didn’t have myelomalacia, that’s for sure.
Thank you for sharing your outcome.

Thank you! Yes my primary care physician seems clueless and unsympathetic

Thank you . I will look into this! Its been a frustrating journey. Its so difficult to put into words but others who are going through it as well give me hope

Perhaps ask your doc to order a comprehensive metabolic profile if you haven't had one already, just to check it isn't anything that would require more in-depth assessment or monitoring. I suspect a lot of GPs don't make this leap without us prompting. I happened to have an overly zealous doc order one, and was able to identify the source of the neuropathic itch and other sensory symptoms. Be well!

Hi Chris. Thanks for turning us on to this option. I did a quick Google search and was unable to find anything on Dupixent for neuropathic itch. Do you know if it's off-label, and/or where we can find information on how it's used? I'd love to bring it to my hematologist.

I had itching in my scalp and on my face. Dermatologist gave me Ketoconazole cream. Can’t put it on my scalp because it is a cream but it works on my hairline and face. Interesting thing is it only happens in the evening! Wished you peace. Bcool123

“Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a cutaneous sensory neuropathy that predominantly affects females, with onset at middle age or older [1,2]. Although it is common, patients underestimate their symptoms, and physicians present an inertia to consider the possibility of NP, and far fewer know about the neuropathic itch. Doubtless, many cases go largely unrecognized, underdiagnosed, or overlooked in the routine clinical practice [3,4].

Pruritus is the overwhelming clinical symptom in the majority of patients [1,5]. A left-sided and posterior location matches well with the location of NP; almost always, NP is unilateral [1]. Hyperpigmentation in the affected area often results from scratching itchy, desensate skin [1]. Along with the pruritus, patients may also experience burning, tingling, coldness, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, numbness, or nerve pain in the area where pruritus appeared [6].

Neuropathic itch and pain are signaling abnormalities - the causative lesion may be half a meter away from where the symptoms are felt, in a nerve, nerve root, spinal cord, or the brain. Spinal nerves and roots are vulnerable to compression as they exit the spinal cord, and they can be chronically compressed by narrowing of the bony foramina. The cause of NP may remain clouded if advances in imaging do not refine diagnosis. The features of NP in a 57-year-old woman, with x-ray-proven cervical spondylosis, are presented in this article.“

Good evening, to members seeking a solution for Neuropathic itch and demographic itch.
Thank you @colleenyoung for continuing to help those of us contending with the difficult and discouraging symptoms of Neuropathic itch and demographic itch. Today I had an annual visit with my dermatologist during which Dupixent results were the number one item on the agenda.

As you may have read in my posts, I have been free of Neuropathic itch since the day of my first pen injection of Dupixent. My quality of life has improved considerably despite aging issues including progressive and non-curable SFN (small fiber neuropathy). She also informed me that the Prurigo Nodularis section on Dupixent.com is actually about Neuropathic itch. I just read it and found it helpful in explaining the symptoms so many of us have encountered. Two statements made a lot of sense to me as to how and why this biologic medication works.
1. Dupixent targets the root cause of your condition. 2. Dupixent is a proactive treatment that keeps you one step ahead of that unwelcome itch.

For those of you who are struggling with the cost of Dupixent, many patients have found that their medical professional has helped secure financial support through the Dupixent My Way program.

Please do not hesitate to let me know of any additional information you seek. I will do my best to find it for you. Living without the "itch" is the number one goal in my life right now.

May you be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris

Good morning @remainanonymous, i did some research. Just look one post up for my response. My dermatologist knew the answer to your question.

Chris

So appreciate this! I'll be starting treatment for MGNS + amyloidosis shortly, which will reduce further issues. But I still want relief from the itch that's irreversable. I'll bring this in when I see my hemonc next week.