Neuralgia: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Neuralgia?

The term neuralgia refers to a combination of two words "neuro" meaning relating to nerves and "algesia" meaning sensitivity to pain. Neuralgia therefore describes pain felt in one or more nerves. It is a stabbing, burning, and often quite severe pain that occurs along a damaged nerve. The damaged nerve may be anywhere in the body, but is most common in the face and neck.
Types of neuralgia

• Postherpetic Neuralgia- This type of neuralgia occurs as a complication of shingles and may be anywhere on the body
• Trigeminal Neuralgia- This type of neuralgia is associated with pain from the trigeminal nerve, which goes from the brain to the face
• Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia- Pain from the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is in the throat, is not very common

Recovery Time

The condition may improve on its own or disappear with time.

Diagnosis

There are no specific tests for neuralgia. Diagnosis relies more on ruling out other possible causes for the pain. Tests may include:

• Neurological examination- to determine specific areas of pain
• Dental examination- to check for abscesses that may be irritating nearby nerves
• Blood tests- to check for infection
• X-rays- to see if the affected nerves are being compressed

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is neuralgia?
Neuralgia is pain felt in one or more nerves. The term neuralgia refers to a combination of two words "neuro" meaning relating to nerves and "algesia" meaning sensitivity to pain It is a stabbing, burning, and often quite severe pain that occurs along a damaged nerve. The damaged nerve may be anywhere in the body, but is most common in the face and neck.

2. What are the types of neuralgia?
Types of neuralgia
Postherpetic Neuralgia- This type of neuralgia occurs as a complication of shingles and may be anywhere on the body
Trigeminal Neuralgia- This type of neuralgia is associated with pain from the trigeminal nerve, which goes from the brain to the face
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia- Pain from the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is in the throat, is not very common

3. What are its symptoms?
The characteristic symptom of neuralgia include localized stabbing, burning pain. The area may be excruciatingly sensitive to touch or muscles may spasm and any pressure is felt as pain however, the affected area may be still functional.

4. What to do when one is suffering from such disease?
One shall try heat or ice in order to keep neck muscles relaxed or roll a hand towel up and use this under your neck instead of a pillow. Keep your head and face covered during sleep. Never sleep on the affected side as that will worsen pain in the morning. Hot tubs/baths can be wonderful for pain management.

5. When shall one consult a doctor?
One shall consult a doctor if one experiences increased sensitivity and numbness along the path of the damaged nerve associated with sharp, stabbing and burning pain which may come and go or remain constant or may get worse when the area is moved. If there is weakness or complete paralysis of muscles along with irritation, inflammation and subsequent pain at the affected area then one require immediate consultation.