Neuralgia, sometimes called nerve pain, is a term for pain resulting from nerve disease or damage.
It can be triggered by nerve irritation, inflammation, trauma, degeneration, or damage.
There are several types, and they can affect many different areas of the body.
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The effects of neuralgia can range from mild to severe.
The pain can interfere with your ability to concentrate or take care of your everyday needs.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgiacauses severe facial pain, typically affecting only one side of the face.
You could develop trigeminal neuralgia due totrigeminal nervedamage from dental problems, surgery, or without any known trigger.
The trigeminal nerve transmits sensations from the face and controls the chewing muscles.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgiais a painful condition that can develop after an episode ofshingles.
Shingles is a painful rash resulting from reactivation of the herpes virus that causes chickenpox.
Most people who develop shingles will not experience postherpetic neuralgia.
Many causes of occipital nerve irritation exist, including a pinched nerve.
A similar condition,pudendalneuropathy, causes pain in the groin area.
Symptoms of Neuralgia
The symptoms of neuralgia can vary, usually depending on cause and bang out.
Often, symptoms can change over time.
Additionally, post-infectious conditions, such as shingles or postherpetic neuralgia, can cause severe and persistent pain.
Pressure on Nerves
Pressure on a nerve can cause nerve pain.
Neuralgia is a common part ofdiabetic neuropathy.
Other symptoms include diminished sensation and weakness.
How Is Neuralgia Diagnosed?
Neuralgia is diagnosed based on a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
Your physical exam can Identify patterns characteristic of certain types of neuralgia.
For example, peripheral neuropathy causes symptoms in the distal extremities (toes and fingers).
Trigeminal neuralgia affects one side of the face.
Diagnostic testing used in the evaluation of neuralgia include:
Neuralgia Triggers
Neuralgia symptoms can fluctuate.
Treatment Options for Neuralgia
Various treatments may be used to control neuralgia and treat the underlying cause.
Treatments for neuralgia pain can include medications or procedures to help alleviate the pain.
The pain-relieving effects of these treatments usually last 5 to 12 hours.
Sometimes, repeated injections are needed when the nerve block therapy wears off.
Nerve stimulation is sometimes used as an option for neuralgia treatment.
Different methods of nerve stimulation exist.
Whats the Outlook for Someone With Neuralgia?
The outlook can vary for different types of neuralgia.
Some conditions may resolve completely with treatment, and some may progress, even with treatment.
For example, with trigeminal neuralgia, it can be challenging to achieve pain control, even with treatment.
Generally, when neuralgia is diagnosed early, treatment more effectively reduces symptoms and prevents progression.
Most neuropathic disorders, such as peripheral neuropathy, will develop over months or longer.
Summary
Neuralgia involves painful symptoms that occur because of nerve damage or disease.
Treatment can include therapies that help relieve pain or discomfort and manage the underlying cause.
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