The relevance of animal neuropathy models for chronic pain in humans

There are currently more than 30 animal models for neuropathic pain. These models are characterized by specific combinations of anomalous nocifensive behavior which suggest the presence of spontaneous pain and abnormal responses to noxious and non-noxious stimuli. Similar disorders are seen in comparable neuropathic pain syndromes. Studies based on these preparations have advanced our understanding of human pain syndromes, and have played a seminal rob in several profound conceptual ships this field has seen in recent decades. These models enable us now to develop better and more specific therapies for neuropathic pain. Especially important is the exciting new research on the prevention of neuropathic pain, which will hopefully lead to diminished prevalence of these 'pain diseases' and reduction of their severity.