Neuralgic Pain
What is Neuralgic Pain ?
Neuralgia is a severe, stabbing pain originating from a damaged nerve, typically in the face and neck, often caused by diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles, or old age. Treatment depends on the cause, and the pain is typically severe and stabbing.
Neuralgia can be classified into three types: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Postherpetic Neuralgia, and Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is associated with pain from the trigeminal nerve, which connects the brain to the face. It is common in the elderly and usually causes pain on one side. Postherpetic neuralgia occurs as a complication of shingles, a viral infection causing painful rash and blisters. It can be mild or severe, persistent or intermittent, and can last for months or years. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, on the other hand, is less common and produces pain in the neck and throat.
Causes of Neuralgic Pain
Symptoms of Neuralgic Pain
How Neuralgic Pain is Diagnosed?
Treatment of Neuralgic Pain
Medication
Neuropathy pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and topical creams with capsaicin.
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are injections aimed at specific nerves or groups to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Chemical Neurolysis
Trigeminal neuralgia can be significantly alleviated through the use of alcohol or phenol injections.
Radiofrequency Ablation
RF ablation is a common method used in trigeminal neuralgia to reduce pain intensity by numbing the pain-generating structure.
