Neuralgia

Neuralgia is sharp, shocking nerve pain that follows the path of a nerve. It happens when a nerve is irritated or damaged. The pain moves along nerve pathways and may be acute, chronic, mild, or severe. Neuralgia is more common among the elderly, but it can occur at any age.

The most common types of neuralgia include:

• Postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles
• Trigeminal neuralgia, which causes stabbing face pain
• Occipital neuralgia, a type of spinal nerve pain that causes pain on one side of the scalp

What causes it

The exact cause of neuralgia is often unknown, but it may be related to:

• Chemical irritation
• Kidney problems
• Diabetes
• Infections
• Certain medications
• Trauma
• Pressure on nerves from bones, ligaments, blood vessels, or tumors

Treatment

Treatments offer varying results depending on the cause, location, and severity of the pain. Doctors may prescribe medications delivered through pain patches or administer nerve blocks. In some cases, they recommend surgery to take pressure off a nerve. In other cases, the condition may improve on its own or stop over time.

UAB Neurology and Neurosurgery

The UAB Neurology and Neurosurgery program provides specialized evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for conditions of the body’s central nervous, peripheral nervous, and muscle systems. Our internationally known neurologists and neurosurgeons address the most complex problems within their specialties, in both adults and children. Their approach to care combines compassion with the most advanced technology. UAB Neurology and Neurosurgery is consistently ranked among the top 50 programs of its kind nationally by U.S. News & World Report, which also has ranked it No. 1 in Alabama.

Care Providers

Resources

• Division of Memory Disorders and Behavioral Neurology
• National Institutes of Health

Related Specialties

• Trigeminal Neuralgia