Overview
Neuralgia is a sharp, shocking paint that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve.
Causes
Chemical irritation
Chronic renal insufficiency
Diabetes
Infections
Certain medications
Porphyria
Pressure on nerves by nearby bones, ligaments, blood vessels, or tumors
Trauma
Aging
Symptoms
Increased sensitivity of the skin along the path of the damaged nerve (any touch or pressure is felt as pain)
Numbness along the path of the nerve
Pain in the same location each episode, is sharp/stabbing, may come and go or be constant burning pain, may worsen when the area is moved
Weakness or complete paralysis of muscles supplied by the same nerve
Diagnosis
Physical examination and medical history consultation
Dental examination
Blood tests
MRI
EMG
Spinal tap
Treatment
Anti-depressant medications
Anti-seizure medications
OTC pain analgesics
Narcotic analgesics
Topical creams
Injections
Nerve blocks
Physical therapy
Motor cortex stimulation
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/