Neuropathic Nerve Pain

Neuropathic nerve pain is discomfort that is felt after a nerve is injured. Nerve pain can be short-term or long-term, and it can be constant or intermittent. Pain can begin hours or weeks after an injury, according to the National Pain Foundation.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may include tingling or a "pins and needles" feeling, electric shock sensations, stabbing pain, burning pain, and numbness, according to the American Chronic Pain Association.

Cause

• The cause of neuropathic pain is not always known. Nerve damage leading to pain can be caused by alcohol, vitamin deficiencies, exposure to toxins, spinal cord injuries, and diseases like diabetes.

Treatment

• Drugs designed to treat other conditions, such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants, may be helpful in treating nerve pain. Pain medications may also be useful. Physical therapy, nerve blocks, and surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve are other treatment options. Nerve stimulation devices can be surgically inserted under the skin to reduce pain.

Significance

• People with neuropathic pain may have trouble sleeping and going about daily activities. Severe pain may result in depression.

Outlook

• There is no cure for most neuropathic pain, but treatment can provide relief and make the condition easier to live with.