Neuralgia (nerve pain)
About Neuralgia (nerve pain)
Neuralgia is a term that refers to pain caused by irritation or damage to a nerve. It is described as sharp and burning and can be very severe. The pain is usually in the area of the skin supplied by the nerve and the symptoms can become worse with simply touching the area of skin involved. Common neuralgias are trigeminal neuralgia, neuralgia from shingles and radiating nerve pain from the lumbar or cervical spine.Symptoms
Symptoms include pain described as sharp, stabbing, and electrical shocks. The symptoms are experienced in the area of the skin supplied by the nerve. The symptoms can get worse with movement or by touching the affected area. Some patients experience numbness and more rarely muscle weakness.Tests & Diagnostics
A complete history and physical will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests will often be performed to determine the cause of the neuralgia.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electomyography (EMG), MRI.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment is varied and is directed at the specific cause of neuralgia and the extent of symptoms.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Neurology · Family Practice · Pain Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Neuralgia (nerve pain).