Neuralgia
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Neuralgia
| Name: Neuralgia |
| Also known as: |
| Pain in any nerve. |
Causes of Neuralgia
Pinching of a nerve between other tissues (eg. between ribs with prolonged coughing), a reduced blood supply to a nerve (eg. migraine, diabetes), an infection of the nerve (eg. shingles), an injury to the nerve, or joint arthritis (eg. back arthritis causing sciatica). |
Symptoms of Neuralgia
Sudden, severe, shooting and often brief stabs of pain that may occur anywhere, but the chest, face and arms are more frequently affected. |
Tests for Neuralgia
Cause must be investigated by X-rays and sometimes blood tests. |
Treatment for Neuralgia
Depends on the cause. Anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation associated with muscle strain and arthritis, and steroids can be given as injections into the damaged area. Physiotherapy is often useful.
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Complications of Neuralgia of its treatment
Permanent damage to the nerve may cause loss of sensation to the affected area. |
Likely Outcome of Neuralgia
Normally good, but depends on cause. |
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