Multilevel symmetric neuropathic pruritus (MSNP) presenting as recalcitrant “generalized” pruritus

BackgroundChronic itch is a disruptive and disabling condition that can lead to psychological stress and depression.ObjectiveWe sought to describe an entity of generalized, symmetric, neuropathic pruritus, which we term “multilevel symmetric neuropathic pruritus,” and offer possible explanations accounting for its pathogenesis.MethodsA case series of 14 patients was evaluated at academic institutions from 2011 to 2015.ResultsAll patients exhibited detectable degenerative vertebral changes, as seen by spinal x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. In 12 of 14 (85.7%) subjects, the radiographic imaging abnormalities directly correlated with the distribution of their cutaneous findings. Twelve of 14 (85.7%) patients had cutaneous findings along the C5 to C6 and/or C6 to C7 dermatomal distributions. Eleven of 14 (78.5%) patients were overweight or obese, and 14 of 14 (100%) patients had at least 4 risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. Twelve of 14 (85.7%) patients noted complete or near complete resolution after treatment with gabapentin (300-1200 mg daily).LimitationsNo healthy age-matched control group without pruritus was investigated.ConclusionA combination of multilevel degenerative disc disease of the spine, spinal nerve root impingement, and/or nerve root traction may play a pivotal role in the cause of multilevel symmetric neuropathic pruritus.