Neuropathy & Neuralgia

While both neuropathy and neuralgia involve nerve damage, they differ in symptoms and causes. Neuropathy refers to general nerve dysfunction, while neuralgia is characterized by severe pain along a damaged nerve, often triggered by mild stimulation.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy involves nerve damage that leads to numbness, muscle weakness, and nerve pain, impacting daily life. Also called peripheral neuropathy, it affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, disrupting sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent progression. Over 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, especially older adults.

Causes of Neuropathy

Neuropathy can arise from various conditions, including:

Diabetes – High blood sugar levels damage nerves, particularly in the legs and feet.
Autoimmune Diseases – Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation that affects nerves.
Infections – Viruses such as shingles, Lyme disease, and hepatitis C can lead to nerve damage.
Vitamin Deficiencies – Lack of essential vitamins like B12 can contribute to nerve dysfunction.
Alcoholism – Excessive alcohol use can result in nerve damage.
Chemotherapy – Certain cancer treatments can cause neuropathy.
Metabolic Disorders – High blood pressure and high cholesterol increase neuropathy risk.

Risk Factors for Neuropathy

Neuropathy is more common in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Risk factors include:

Age – Older individuals are more susceptible due to natural nerve degeneration.
Chronic Diseases – Diabetes, kidney disorders, and autoimmune conditions heighten risk.
Lifestyle Factors – Smoking and excessive alcohol use contribute to nerve damage.
Occupational Hazards – Physically demanding jobs may increase risk.
Exposure to Toxins – Contact with heavy metals and certain chemicals can damage nerves.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Pain

Neuropathy symptoms vary based on affected nerves:
Sensory Nerves – Tingling, burning, or numbness.
Motor Nerves – Weakness, lack of coordination.
Autonomic Nerves – Issues with heart rate, digestion, or sweating.

Neuralgia

Neuralgia causes sharp, shocking pain due to nerve irritation or damage. The most common type, trigeminal neuralgia, affects the face and can be triggered by simple movements.

Types of Neuralgia

Postherpetic Neuralgia – Nerve pain following shingles, which may persist for months or years.
Trigeminal Neuralgia – Affects the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain.
Occipital Neuralgia – Involves inflammation of the occipital nerves, often mistaken for migraines

Causes of Neuralgia

Common causes of neuralgia include:

Diabetes – Nerve damage from high blood sugar levels.
Injury – Trauma from accidents or repetitive stress can compress nerves.
Autoimmune Disorders – These can cause direct nerve damage or compression.
Infections – Conditions like Lyme disease and herpes can inflame nerves.
Toxins & Medications – Chemotherapy and toxic exposure can damage nerves.
Vascular Issues – Poor circulation can lead to nerve tissue damage.
Multiple Sclerosis – This condition affects the protective coating of nerve fibers, contributing to neuralgia.

Risk Factors for Neuralgia

Certain factors increase neuralgia risk:

Age – More common in older adults.
Underlying Conditions – Diabetes and multiple sclerosis heighten risk.
Previous Infections – Shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia.
Family History – Some forms of neuralgia may have a genetic component

Symptoms of Neuralgia

Neuralgia symptoms vary but often include:
Sharp Pain – Stabbing, electric shock-like pain.
Burning Sensation – A persistent ache following sharp pain episodes.
Increased Sensitivity – Even light touch may cause pain.
Muscle Weakness – Reduced strength in affected areas.

Diagnosing Neuropathy and Neuralgia

At MIPM Clinic, our pain management providers conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including:
Medical History Review – Assessment of symptom onset, severity, and triggers.
Imaging Tests – X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to examine nerve-related issues.
Electrodiagnostic Testing – Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function.

Neuropathy and Neuralgia Treatment

MIPM Clinic offers advanced pain management solutions to address nerve pain effectively.

Injection Therapies

Nerve Blocks – Targeted pain relief through genicular nerve blocks, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, occipital nerve blocks, and lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks.
Epidural Steroid Injections – Reduce inflammation and pain in affected nerves.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections – Address nerve-related pain in the lower back and pelvis.

Advanced Interventional Procedures

Spinal Cord Stimulation – Helps modulate nerve pain signals.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation – Reduces pain by stimulating specific nerve pathways.
Balloon Compression – Relieves pressure on affected nerves.
Radiofrequency Ablation – Uses heat to disable overactive nerves causing pain.

Conventional Treatments

Medication Management – Includes anti-inflammatory drugs and neuropathic pain medications.
Physical Therapy – Helps restore mobility and strength.
Surgical Referrals – For severe cases requiring intervention.

At MIPM Clinic, our pain management providers deliver expert care tailored to each patient’s needs. Contact us to explore personalized treatment options and regain control over your pain.

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