Chronic pain caused by damage to nerve fibers. It is usually associated with tissue injury.
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
The following features are indicative of Neuropathic Pain:
burning pain
sensitive to touch or cold
pins and needles sensations
itching
numbness
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Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain
The following are the most common causes of Neuropathic Pain:
radiation injury
herpes zoster infection
nutritional deficiencies
spinal cord injury
stroke
multiple sclerosis
Other Causes of Neuropathic Pain
The following are the less common causes of Neuropathic Pain:
diabetes
HIV-related neuropathies
physical trauma to a nerve trunk
Risk Factors for Neuropathic Pain
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Neuropathic Pain:
diabetes mellitus
alcohol abuse
vitamin deficiencies
autoimmune diseases
kidney, liver or thyroid disorders
exposure to toxins
repetitive motion
family history
Prevention of Neuropathic Pain
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Neuropathic Pain. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
eat lean protein to keep nerves healthy
exercise regularly
avoid repetitive motions
avoid exposure to toxic chemicals
quit smoking
avoid overindulging in alcohol
Occurrence of Neuropathic Pain
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Neuropathic Pain cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Neuropathic Pain can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Neuropathic Pain can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Neuropathic Pain
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Neuropathic Pain:
Neurological examination: To check tendon reflexes, muscle strength and tone, ability to feel certain sensations, and posture and coordination
Blood tests: To detect vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, abnormal immune function and other indications of conditions
Imaging tests: To look for herniated disks, tumors or other abnormalities
Electromyography: To detect nerve damage
Autonomic reflex screen test: To record how the autonomic nerve fibers work
Sweat test: To record how patient feels touch, vibration, cooling and heat
Sensory tests: To record how patient feels touch, vibration, cooling and heat
Nerve biopsy: To look for abnormalities
Skin biopsy: To look for a reduction in nerve endings
Doctor for Diagnosis of Neuropathic Pain
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Neuropathic Pain:
Neurosurgeon
Complications of Neuropathic Pain if untreated
Yes, Neuropathic Pain causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Neuropathic Pain is left untreated:
burns
skin trauma
infection
falls
Procedures for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
The following procedures are used to treat Neuropathic Pain:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): Help easing the signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin therapy: Help easing the signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Physical therapy: Help improving movements
Surgery: To reduce the pressure
Medicines for Neuropathic Pain
Below is the list of medicines used for Neuropathic Pain:
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Neuropathic Pain:
Acupuncture: To reduce peripheral neuropathy symptoms
Alpha-lipoic acid: To treat peripheral neuropathy
Herbs, such as evening primrose oil: To reduce neuropathy pain in people with diabetes
Amino acids: Benefit people who have undergone chemotherapy and people with diabetes
Patient Support for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
The following actions may help Neuropathic Pain patients:
Support group: Join support group to combat neuropathy
Time for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Neuropathic Pain to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
In 3 - 6 months
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Neuropathic Pain.