Neuralgias

Alternative names:

nerve pain; postherpetic neuralgia

Symptoms:

• pain located anywhere, usually superficial (on the surface of the body)
  • location does not change for subsequent episodes
  • sharp, stabbing pain or constant, burning pain

• nerve pain or pain along the path of a specific nerve
  • sharp or stabbing or constant burning pain

• usually no loss of function
• increased sensitivity of the skin, any touch or pressure is interpreted as pain
• any touch or pressure is interpreted as pain
• movement may be painful

Signs and tests:

Neurologic examination shows pain occurring along a nerve tract. Trigeminal neuralgia has pain usually along the second and third nerve divisions (lower face and jaw), and rarely involves the first nerve division (temple and forehead). It may have specific trigger points (areas where even a slight touch triggers pain). A dental examination is used to rule out dental disorders that may cause facial pain. The presence of other symptoms (such as redness or swelling) may indicate disorders causing the pain, such as infections, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, or other disorders.

No tests are specific for neuralgia, but tests may be used to rule out other causes of the pain.