Neuralgias

Neuralgia means burning, numbness, and pain that extends along one or more nerves. A nerve is a cord-like bundle of fibers through which sensation and motor impulses pass between the brain and the body. Because nerve fibers are found throughout the body neuralgia may occur in any nerve.

Neuralgia or neuropathic pain is caused by injury, irritation or deterioration of nerves. Neuralgias can occur as a result of:

• inflammation
• infections such as herpes, malaria or syphilis
• surgery
• nerve compression from tumors
• irritation of spinal nerves
• vitamin B-12 deficiency
• deterioration of the nerves due to aging or hereditary conditions
• brain injury such as stroke and
• diseases such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, pernicious anemia, and shingles

Neuralgia pain feels different from most other types of pain. It is often described as sharp, knifelike, stabbing, or burning. The pain tends to be constant. A person may experience:

• cluster headaches
• pain radiating through the face or jaw
• pain at the back of head, in the feet, and in the throat or tongue and
• sciatica, which affects the lower back, buttocks, and legs

Attacks of pain often occur suddenly. There may be long periods between attacks. A person may suffer from anxiety and fear of the next attack.

Minor things may bring on attacks, such as:

• irritation of the area
• heat or cold or
• drinking something hot or cold

Medicines may be given to relieve the pain. Control of any underlying condition (such as diabetes) will help prevent progression. Drugs to prevent flare-ups may be helpful. When medical measures fail, surgery may be considered to remove the root of the nerve. These include electrosurgery, microsurgery, and radio wave surgery.

After surgery, the affected area will lose the pain and its sense of touch. The patient must be very careful to watch for future physical problems that are usually signaled by pain, such as:

• burns
• dry eyes (when the blink reflex has been lost) or
• chewing-related problems and gum and dental problems (when oral sensation has been lost)

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NEUR3535.RF2 VRS# 5510 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.