Neuralgias

Alternative names:

nerve pain; postherpetic neuralgia

Treatment:

No known cure exists for neuralgias. Treatment is aimed at control of the pain. Treatment varies depending on the cause (if known), location of the pain, severity of the pain, and other factors.

The cause (if known) should be treated. This may include surgical removal of tumors or surgical separation of the nerve from blood vessels or other structures that compress the nerve.

Mild over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin (see salicylates - oral), acetaminophen - oral, or ibuprofen may be helpful for mild pain. Narcotic analgesics such as codeine may be needed for a short time to control severe pain. Carbamazepine or phenytoin may be helpful for pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Antidepressant medications may be helpful to control pain in some cases.

Other treatments may include nerve blocks or surgical procedures to decrease sensitivity of the nerve. Physical therapy may be helpful for some types of neuralgia, especially postherpetic neuralgia.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most neuralgias are not life threatening and do not indicate other life-threatening disorders. Pain can be severe and in some cases, incapacitating. Neuralgia pain has been known to drive some people to suicide.

Most neuralgias respond to treatment. Attacks of pain are usually episodic (occur at intervals, alternating with relatively pain-free periods of time). As the person ages, attacks may be more frequent.

Complications:

• unnecessary dental procedures prior to diagnosis of neuralgia
• disability caused by pain
• complications of surgery
• side effects of medications used to control pain (see the specific medication)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of neuralgia are present, especially if prolonged or unrelieved by over-the-counter analgesics.