Pain: neuropathic pain: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Pain: neuropathic pain

Sample item

Which drug is a first-line treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Pregabalin or amitriptyline

Gabapentinoids and tricyclic antidepressants, along with SNRIs such as duloxetine, are first-line for neuropathic pain. Simple analgesics and NSAIDs have poor efficacy in this setting.

Option by option

  • A. Paracetamol

    Paracetamol is ineffective.

  • B. Pregabalin or amitriptyline (correct)

    Correct. These are first-line neuropathic agents.

  • C. Diclofenac

    NSAIDs do not help neuropathic pain.

  • D. Morphine alone

    Opioids are second- or third-line.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Pregabalin or amitriptyline. Gabapentinoids and tricyclic antidepressants, along with SNRIs such as duloxetine, are first-line for neuropathic pain.

Why is "Paracetamol" not the answer?

Paracetamol is ineffective.

Why is "Diclofenac" not the answer?

NSAIDs do not help neuropathic pain.

Why is "Morphine alone" not the answer?

Opioids are second- or third-line.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pain: neuropathic pain in Anaesthesia. Simple analgesics and NSAIDs have poor efficacy in this setting.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pain: neuropathic pain?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.