DEFINITION – What does Neuralgia mean?
Neuralgia is an intense pain caused by an irritated or damaged nerve. It often feels like a burning or stabbing sensation.
BREAKING DOWN – Neuralgia
Neuralgia may happen to any nerve throughout the body. It is caused by nerve compression, infection, damage (such as in Multiple Sclerosis), diabetes, and other conditions. 3 major types of neuralgia include postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Postherpetic neuralgia is caused by a complication with shingles. Trigeminal neuralgia is neuralgia or nerve pain that is caused by the trigeminal nerve – a nerve that stems from the brain and innervates parts of the face. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is nerve pain occurring in the throat. It is the least common form.