Medical expert of the article
New publications
Neuralgic pain
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[ What causes neuralgic pain?
Neuralgic pain is caused by damage to a nerve, located in any part of the body, which significantly complicates the work of diagnosticians. Neuralgia can be a consequence of injury, as well as simple hypothermia, various inflammatory diseases, or stressful situations. Also, this type of painful sensations can appear as a result of allergic reactions, disturbances in the level of certain hormones or various chronic diseases. It is also terrible that the pain can resume at any moment, it can be provoked by the simplest movement: walking, raising your arms, eating. Therefore, it is especially important in cases of the first symptoms to immediately make an appointment with a doctor to determine the type of neuralgia and its treatment.
Types of neuralgic pain
Among the most common types of neuralgia are:
- Neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve, which provides motor activity to the face.
- Neuralgia of the pterygopalatine ganglion, which occurs with diseases of the ear, throat and nose.
- Herpetic, which is a complication of herpes infections.
- Intercostal.
- Occipital neuralgia.
- Glossopharyngeal, paralyzing the tongue, palate, ear.
Regardless of the type of pain that strikes you, it will be almost unbearable, with incredible intensity. Neuralgic pain may be accompanied by a nervous tic, which consists of twitching muscles.
Diagnosis of neuralgic pain
After you have experienced any type of neuralgic pain, consult a neurologist. The search for the cause and methods of pain treatment usually begins with an examination of the patient. In this case, "insidious" neuralgia can hide under the guise of a heart attack, gastritis, osteochondrosis, so be prepared to answer questions about the time of pain occurrence, the place of occurrence, as well as the conditions that could affect the occurrence of neuralgia. In rare cases, additional magnetic resonance imaging of the spine is necessary.
Neuralgic pain: treatment
As already mentioned, painkillers are unlikely to help you with neuralgia, so it is better to listen to the advice of a neurologist. Doctors often prescribe anticonvulsants, physiological procedures (in the absence of contraindications). Doctors also advise not to overexert yourself, not to be exposed to stress, to lead as calm a lifestyle as possible. Therapeutic aerobics, swimming, physical education, going to the gym are possible. In cases of prolonged attacks of neuralgic pain, sanitary treatment may be used. In especially severe cases, even surgical methods are used for treatment. If the pain is caused by another disease, you must contact the appropriate doctor.
Neuralgic pain is quite unpleasant, so you should not endure these sudden painful attacks - it is better to cure it once and for all!