Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain (pronunciation: neuro-path-ic pain) is a type of pain that is caused by damage or disease affecting the somatic or autonomic nervous system.
Etymology
The term "neuropathic" is derived from the Greek words "neuro" meaning "nerve" and "pathos" meaning "suffering".
Definition
Neuropathic pain is often described as a shooting or burning pain. It can go away on its own but is often chronic. Sometimes it is unrelenting and severe, and sometimes it comes and goes. It often is the result of nerve damage or a malfunctioning nervous system. The impact of nerve damage is a change in nerve function both at the site of the injury and areas around it.
Causes
Neuropathic pain is often caused by a number of diseases or injuries. These can include diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV, stroke, shingles, and sciatica. It can also be caused by certain medications or by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
Symptoms
Symptoms of neuropathic pain can include shooting, burning, or stabbing pain, tingling and numbness, and extreme sensitivity to touch.
Treatment
Treatment for neuropathic pain can involve pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy, nerve blocks, and surgical interventions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neuropathic pain
- Wikipedia's article - Neuropathic pain
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