Index
What Is Neuralgia?
Neuralgia is nerve pain that occurs along the path of a nerve, often described as sharp, stabbing, or burning. It can affect any part of the body, but common types include trigeminal neuralgia (face) and post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles).
Neuralgia can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
What Causes Neuralgia?
- Compression or irritation of a nerve (e.g., by a blood vessel or tumor)
- Nerve damage from infection (shingles)
- Diabetes or other metabolic conditions
- Trauma or surgery affecting nerves
- Idiopathic (unknown cause) in some cases
What Are the Common Symptoms of Neuralgia?
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain along a nerve pathway
- Pain triggered by light touch, chewing, speaking, or movement
- Intermittent attacks that may last seconds to minutes
- Tingling, numbness, or sensitivity in the affected area
How Is Neuralgia Diagnosed?
- Diagnosis is usually clinical based on symptom pattern
- Neurological examination to identify affected nerve
- Imaging (MRI or CT) if structural cause is suspected
- Online GP consultations can assess symptoms and provide initial advice; in-person review is often required
How Long Does Neuralgia Last?
- Duration varies depending on cause
- Post-herpetic neuralgia may persist for months after shingles
- Trigeminal neuralgia can be intermittent or chronic
Is Neuralgia Contagious?
No. Neuralgia is not contagious.
How to Feel Better and Recover Quickly
Self-Care at Home:
- Avoid triggers that provoke pain
- Apply warm compresses if helpful
- Manage stress and get adequate rest
Treatment from a GP:
- Medications such as anticonvulsants or pain relief
- Topical treatments for nerve pain
- Referral to neurology or pain specialist if needed
When Referral Is Needed:
- Pain not controlled with first-line treatments
- Suspected structural cause
- Chronic or worsening symptoms
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
Seek urgent care if:
- Sudden severe facial pain with neurological deficits
- Weakness, vision changes, or numbness
- Pain after trauma or with signs of infection
How Dr.Online UK Can Help
We offer:
- Same-day online GP appointments
- Assessment and initial management of nerve pain
- Prescriptions for pain management where appropriate
- Referral to neurology if needed
