--most of the discussion of pain relief for neuropathy was on the current standard treatments, starting with the anti-convulsants/anti-epileptics and anti-depressants and mentionign opiates for some (I had the attitude during much of it of "this, we already know".)

There was one doctor presenting with some reviews of the vitamin therapy literature, and one European study he highlighted involved benfotamine and alpha lipoic acid used in combination in which self-professed patient relief scores were significantly higher than those reported for either used alone. I was at least glad that there were some people there interested in methods alternative to the pharmacological. In fact, the Sunday session ended with a discussion of the evidence for alternative/complimentary approaches, in which it was highlighted that there is support at this point for the effectiveness of tai chi (for balance and strength issues) and directed meditation (for pain relief).

The post-stroke gentleman I met still has pretty high pain levels several years post stroke, and he's on a lot of Neurontin. I would also think that a true Central Pain etiology would be unlikely to improve--we simply don't (yet) have the ability to regenerate central nervous system tracts to great extent (though there's a lot of genome and stem-cell oriented research in this area to try and help people with spinal cord injuries and the like). So an improvement in symptoms would tend to cast doubt on an original central spinothalamic etiology.

All of the sessions were recorded; I'm going to try and find out if they will eventually be available through the Association, and how and to whom.