Neuralgia is pain due to irritation or damage to a nerve. This pain can also follow the nerve path and is often described as shooting/stabbing pain or tingling sensation.
Symptoms:
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Shooting/stabbing/burning pain
- Persistent ache
- Involuntary muscle contraction or cramping
Causes:
- Nerve compression
- Trauma/Surgery
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Medication/Chemical irritation
- Infections
Diagnosis:
Neuralgia is a type of pain that can be easily misdiagnosed. The most typical form of assessment involves locating the affected nerve by identifying sensory or motor dysfunction. Other diagnostic tests include electromyography (EMG) , nerve conduction study (NCS), microneurography.
Treatments:
Depending on the type of the neuropathy and the severity of each condition there are various types of treatments. Some of them include.
- Physiotherapy
- Surgery
- Medication
- Electrical nerve stimulation
- Acupuncture
- Injections
The correct health assessment is extremely important to identify the medical need of patients. If you experience any signs or symptoms of neuralgia let us help. Book a free consultation with one of our specialists to provide you with treatment advise and support.
Written by Andreas Ouogko MSc Chartered Physiotherapist.
