Definition:
Neuralgia is pain that follows the path of a nerve. See also: Trigeminal neuralgia
Alternative Names:
Nerve pain
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Causes of neuralgia include: Certain drugs Chemical irritation Pressure on nerves by nearby structures (for instance, tumors) Swelling and irritation (inflammation) Trauma (including surgery)
In many cases, the cause is unknown. Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common form of neuralgia. A related but uncommon neuralgia affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, which provides feeling to the throat. Neuralgia is most common in elderly people, but it may occur at any age.
References:
Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 446. Cutrer FM, Moskowitz MA. Headaches and other head pain. In: In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 421.
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