Alternative Names
Nerve pain
Definition of Neuralgia
Neuralgia is pain that follows the path of a nerve.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Causes of neuralgia include:
Signs and tests
An exam may show:
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reverse or control the cause of the nerve problem (if found), and provide pain relief. Treatment varies depending on the cause, location, and severity of the pain, and other factors. Even if the cause of the neuralgia is never identified, the condition may improve on its own or disappear with time.
Expectations (prognosis)
Most neuralgias are not life-threatening and are not signs of other life-threatening disorders. However, pain can be severe. For severe pain, be sure to see a pain specialist so that you can explore all treatment options.
Review
Daniel B Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/22/2008
