Neuralgia is a medical condition characterized by nerve pain that comes and goes in an unpredictable fashion. This pain is often described as a sharp, shooting pain, sometimes resembling electrical shocks, and may affect a single nerve or a group of nerves. Neuralgia can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disease, trauma, or certain medications. Treatment options depend upon the direct cause of the neuralgia, but some of the more common treatment methods involve the use of prescription medications or surgical intervention.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of neuralgia. Often, this pain is felt along the path of a specific nerve. This pain can become so severe that the muscles surrounding the affected nerve become weak, and limited mobility may become a problem. Muscle and tendon reflexes may be compromised, or some degree of muscle mass may be lost as a result of neuralgia.
Other symptoms of neuralgia may include increased skin sensitivity or a burning sensation. The skin sensitivity is often described as feeling similar to a novocaine shot at a dentist's office. The burning pain associated with neuralgia may come and go, or it may be constant. Sharp, intermittent shooting pains are also common in those suffering from this condition.
A decreased ability to sweat or the development of trigger points are also common symptoms of neuralgia. Nerves are responsible for the ability to sweat, so if nerve damage has occurred, the body may be unable to produce sweat. Trigger points are areas on the skin which cause tremendous pain, even if only slightly touched. Nerve tenderness, especially in the upper portion of the face and head, may also be among the possible symptoms of neuralgia.
Treatment options depend upon the direct causes of the symptoms of neuralgia, if the causes can be found. In some cases, the symptoms of neuralgia may disappear on their own, even without treatment. Over-the-counter medications may provide sufficient pain relief for mild cases of neuralgia. Stronger medications may be needed if the pain is severe or persistent. In the most severe cases, injections or nerve blocks may be used to ease the painful symptoms of neuralgia.
In cases that have proven to be unresponsive to other treatment options, surgical intervention may become necessary. There are various types of surgical procedures that may be used to treat neuralgia, including the use of heat or radio-frequency. In some cases, the affected nerve may need to be cut in order to prevent the pain from returning.
