Definition
Neuralgia is pain that follows the path of a specific nerve.
Symptoms
- Pain located anywhere, usually on or near the surface of the body
- In the same location for each episode
- Sharp, stabbing pain or constant, burning pain
- Pain along the path of a specific nerve
- Impaired function of affected body part due to pain, or muscle weakness due to motor nerve damage.
- Increased sensitivity of the skin or numbness of the affected skin area (feeling similar to a local anesthetic, such as a Novocaine shot)
Any touch or pressure is interpreted as pain. ...
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Definition
Neuralgia is pain that follows the path of a specific nerve.
Symptoms
- Pain located anywhere, usually on or near the surface of the body
- In the same location for each episode
- Sharp, stabbing pain or constant, burning pain
- Pain along the path of a specific nerve
- Impaired function of affected body part due to pain, or muscle weakness due to motor nerve damage.
- Increased sensitivity of the skin or numbness of the affected skin area (feeling similar to a local anesthetic, such as a Novocaine shot)
Any touch or pressure is interpreted as pain. Movement may also be painful.
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Causes
The causes of neuralgia vary. Chemical irritation, inflammation, trauma (including surgery), compression of nerves by nearby structures (for instance, tumors), and infections may all lead to neuralgia. In many cases, however, the cause is unknown.
Neuralgia is most common in elderly persons, but it may occur at any age.
Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common form of neuralgia. For information on this condition, see the article on trigeminal neuralgia .
A related but rather uncommon neuralgia affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, which provides sensation to the throat. Symptoms of this neuralgia are short, shock-like episodes of pain located in the throat.
Neuralgia may occur after infections such as shingles . Shingles-related neuralgia produces a constant burning pain after the shingles rash has healed. The pain is worsened by movement of or contact with the affected area.
Postherpetic neuralgia may be debilitating long after signs of the ...
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Treatment
Treatment of neuralgia is aimed at reversing or controlling the cause of the nerve problem (if identified), as well as providing pain relief. Therefore, the treatment varies depending on the cause, location, and severity of the pain, and other factors. Even if the cause of the neuralgia is never identified, the condition may improve spontaneously or disappear with time.
The cause (if known) should be treated. This may include surgical removal of tumors, or surgical separation of the nerve from blood vessels or other structures that compress it. This can be the approach taken for certain cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia.
Strict control of blood sugar may accelerate recovery in people with diabetes who develop neuralgia.
Mild over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may be ...
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Other Names
Nerve pain; Postherpetic neuralgia
Possible Complications
- Unnecessary dental procedures prior to diagnosis of neuralgia
- Disability caused by pain
- Complications of surgery
- Side effects of medications used to control pain (see the specific medication)
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Most neuralgias are not life-threatening and do not indicate other life-threatening disorders. However, pain can be severe and, in some cases, incapacitating. For severe pain, be sure to see a pain specialist so that all options for treatment can be explored.
Most neuralgias will respond to treatment. Attacks of pain are usually episodic (occurring in intervals, alternating with relatively pain-free periods of time). However, attacks may become more frequent in some patients as they age.
Prevention
Treatment of associated disorders such as diabetes and renal insufficiency may prevent development of some neuralgias. Strict control of blood sugar may prevent diabetic nerve damage.
Exams and Tests
Neurologic examination shows tenderness occurring along a nerve tract. Trigeminal neuralgia usually causes pain along the second and third nerve divisions (lower face and jaw), and rarely involves the first nerve division (temple and forehead). Other signs of altered nerve function may be seen often, such as loss of deep tendon reflexes, local loss of muscle bulk, local lack of sweating (sweating is regulated by nerve function), and abnormal skin sensation.
There may be specific trigger points (areas where even a slight touch triggers pain). A dental examination is used to rule out dental disorders that may cause facial pain . The presence of other symptoms (such as redness or swelling) may indicate disorders causing the pain, such as infections, bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis , or other disorders.
No tests are specific for neuralgia, but tests ...
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