Diseases

neuropathic pain

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Overview

Neuropathic pain can happen if your nervous system is damaged or not working correctly. You can feel pain from any of the various levels of the nervous system—the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord and the brain. Together, the spinal cord and the brain are known as the central nervous system

Symptoms

  • shooting, burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain;
  • tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling
  • pain brought on by normally non-painful stimuli such as cold,
  • gentle brushing against the skin, pressure, etc.

Causes

  • alcoholism.
  • diabetes.
  • facial nerve problems.

Risk factors

  • hiv infection or aids.
  • chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, paclitaxel, vincristine, etc.).
  • spinal nerve compression or inflammation.

Diagnosis

  • physical exam
  • medical history

Medicines used

Frequently asked questions

What is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain can happen if your nervous system is damaged or not working correctly. You can feel pain from any of the various levels of the nervous system—the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord and the brain. Together, the spinal cord and the brain are known as the central nervous system

What are the symptoms of neuropathic pain?

shooting, burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain;, tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling, pain brought on by normally non-painful stimuli such as cold,, gentle brushing against the skin, pressure, etc.

What causes neuropathic pain?

alcoholism.; diabetes.; facial nerve problems.

Which medicines are used for neuropathic pain?

duloxetine, pregabalin, thioctic acid

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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