This is the stabbing, burning and severe pain that occurs because of irritation or damage to the nerve. Neuralgia is a symptom of a condition rather than an illness of its own. Some of the symptoms of neuralgia include localized pain, muscle spasm, sharp or burning pain based on the affected nerve and extreme sensitivity to touch. It can commonly affect almost everyone at some point but tends to be temporary, resolving within a few days although in some case it can be very severe reducing their quality of life. There are a number of reasons for the cause of this and includes conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, porphyria, pressure on nerves, infections such as syphilis or herpes zoster (shingles) and chemical irritation. Although this condition appears to be more common among the elderly, it can develop at any age. There are various types of neuralgia; postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia and occipital neuralgia.
Trigeminal neuralgia
This is considered to be one of the most common forms of neuralgia. The trigeminal nerve travels from the brain to different parts of the face. It can develop because of the blood vessel pressing down on the nerve or because of conditions such as multiple sclerosis or injury to the nerve. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of shooting pain on both the side of the face at alternating times. The pain can be very severe causing spasms of the facial muscles. It can also make everyday tasks such as tooth brushing a painful event.
Postherpetic neuralgia
This is usually a complication of shingles caused by the herpes zoster (chickenpox) that can occur anywhere in the body. Chickenpox is a viral infection causing painful rash and blisters. As this condition can affect the nerve fibers and the skin, it can cause burning pain even after the rash of shingles has disappeared. The pain can be mild or severe and in some cases, it can last for months or years. In most of the cases, the condition can improve on its own but if treatment is required, medications can ease the symptoms.
Occipital neuralgia
This is the irritation of the main nerve that runs from the back of the skull. It can cause a headache that can be dull or throbbing particularly the back of the head and occasionally the forehead. It can develop because of conditions such as viral infection, trauma to the neck or tense muscles that press against the nerve causing the inflammation and the pain.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms evident, a physical examination and various tests. The examination can detect the abnormal sensation of the skin, reflex problems, loss of muscle mass and tenderness along a nerve. Various tests may be necessary to rule out other possible conditions and to determine the cause of neuralgia. The tests may consist of blood test to check blood sugar, kidney function, MRI, ultrasound, nerve conduction study with electromyography or a spinal tap.
Treatment
The treatment is based on the cause of the condition, the location and the severity of the pain. Treatments can include antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, pain medications, nerve blocks, a surgery to take pressure off the nerve or a physical therapy.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postherpetic-neuralgia/basics/definition/con-20023743
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001407.htm
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/neuralgia
