Neuropathic pain is often described as a burning or shooting pain. It may go away on its own, but it often becomes chronic, sometimes constant, and very severe. The cause of neuropathic pain is usually nerve damage or a malfunctioning nervous system.

The role of the anesthesiologist has evolved from that of a physician primarily concerned with providing optimal surgical conditions and minimizing pain immediately after surgery, to a perioperative physician who is responsibility for ensuring optimal management of surgical patients before, during, and after surgery