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:

Self-care for Neuropathic Pain

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Neuropathic Pain:
  • Take care of feet, especially having diabetes: Helps managing peripheral neuropathy
  • Regular exercise: Helps reducing neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels
  • Quit smoking: Helps managing peripheral neuropathy
  • Eat healthy meals: Helps getting essential vitamins and minerals to treat peripheral neuropathy
  • Avoid excessive alcohol: To treat peripheral neuropathy
  • Monitor blood glucose levels: Helps improving neuropathy

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.

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