Causes of Neuralgia

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 24, 2024
00:00
00:00

Neuralgia is extremely painful, with patients often experiencing severe, unbearable pain. The causes of neuralgia mainly include the following types. The first type to note is viral infection, such as herpes zoster virus infection, which can leave postherpetic neuralgia. In such cases, it is crucial to actively use antivirals and employ neuropathic pain medications for treatment. The second scenario may relate to nerve compression, such as trigeminal neuralgia, which may be associated with local vascular compression causing abnormal nerve discharges. Surgical treatment might be necessary to relieve the compression. Sciatica is also caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. The third case might be due to nonspecific inflammatory responses. For example, Guillain-Barre syndrome can also cause neuralgia, and treatment should be directed at the underlying cause.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
50sec home-news-image

Is intercostal neuralgia severe?

First, it should be noted that intercostal neuralgia is not a very serious disease; it is a chronic condition but can be recovered from with long-term treatment as long as treatment is consistently followed. Commonly, treatment for intercostal neuralgia can be supplemented with physiotherapy methods such as acupuncture, massage, and cupping, which are very effective. Additionally, topical application of ointments that invigorate the blood and dispel stasis, or oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and neuro-nourishing medications, can be completely adequate. For cases where the symptoms of intercostal neuralgia are particularly severe, local block injections may be performed. Furthermore, it is important to rest and protect the affected area, avoid cold exposure, and minimize irritation to the area to facilitate recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
52sec home-news-image

How is neuralgia treated?

Neuralgia can cause severe pain and significantly impact a patient's life. Treatment for neuralgia primarily focuses on the following aspects: First, treatment should be based on the cause of the pain. For instance, if the patient suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, antiepileptic drugs may be prescribed. Surgery may be necessary in some cases. If the neuralgia is caused by a viral infection, active antiviral treatment is required. If tumor cells invade and cause the neuralgia, tumor treatment should be administered. The second type of treatment involves symptomatic management. This mainly includes medications to relieve neuralgia, commonly comprising tricyclic antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs, which can be effective in alleviating the pain and should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
53sec home-news-image

What is brachial plexus neuropathy?

Brachial plexus neuropathy occurs when certain pathological changes affect the brachial plexus, causing clinical symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. The brachial plexus is composed of four nerves from cervical vertebrae 6 to 7, 8, and thoracic vertebra 1. The brachial plexus gives rise to the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve, making it a central hub. If the brachial plexus is injured, for instance, through trauma such as stretching, tearing, tumor compression, or bone impingement, this can lead to clinical manifestations including pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands, a condition known as brachial plexus neuropathy. If such symptoms occur, it is crucial to promptly complete the necessary examinations to clarify the changes in the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
55sec home-news-image

Symptoms of neuralgia

Neuralgia comes in many types and is generally quite severe. Patients may experience episodes of intense, short-lasting pain. The common symptoms include: Firstly, a classic type is trigeminal neuralgia, where patients primarily suffer from episodic severe pain in the areas innervated by the trigeminal nerve. This can feel like burning or electric shocks, and is often unbearable. Treatment usually requires antiepileptic drugs. The second major type of neuralgia commonly seen is postherpetic neuralgia, where pain is intense and follows the nerve distribution. Tricyclic antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs can be used for treatment. Additionally, peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes can also lead to neuralgia. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
1min 1sec home-news-image

How to treat occipital neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia is caused by cervical compression of the greater occipital nerve, leading to neuropathic pain. Thus, treatment of occipital neuralgia may involve oral pain relief medications to temporarily alleviate symptoms. Additionally, some nerve-nourishing medications can be used in treatment. Fundamental treatment involves addressing cervical spondylosis, which can include cervical physiotherapy and the use of medications that improve blood circulation and remove blood stasis to treat cervical spondylosis. It is also important to take care of the cervical spine by not sitting for too long; if sitting for extended periods, one should get up and move to stretch the muscles and bones. Performing the "little bird flying" exercise, where the head is leaned back and both arms are extended backwards, can effectively relieve cervical spondylosis and the pain caused by cervical compression of the greater occipital nerve. Additionally, the pillow should not be too high when sleeping at night.