| Neuropathic Pain |
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Neuropathy, also known as neuralgia, occurs when nerves are damaged or do not function properly. The result is burning or stabbing pain, numbness or tingling that can interfere with day-to-day life. Though complex, neuropathic pain is manageable with specialized care.
Understanding the root cause of your symptoms is key to creating a successful treatment plan — and diagnosis requires an experienced team of pain specialists. Houston Methodist’s team approach collates decades of expertise, backed by leading-edge research innovation, to improve your quality of life.
Diagnosing & Treating Neuropathic Pain
How is neuropathic pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a complete medical history and conversation to understand your symptoms. Neuropathic pain often affects the face, neck and limbs with symptoms that may include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Numbness
- Oversensitivity of skin
- Sleep problems
- Tingling
- Intense stabbing or shooting pains, commonly felt in face and neck
In the initial meeting, our team will discuss with you the location, severity and duration of your symptoms, as well as possible triggers. One of our board-certified pain specialists will then conduct a physical exam and possible, additional testing to rule out or identify underlying conditions causing your symptoms.
Neuropathic pain can be caused by an injury, illness, treatment or condition that damages the delicate nerve fibers that run from your spine to the rest of your body. Possible causes can include:
- Central nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Chemotherapy
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Diabetes, which accounts for approximately 30% of cases
- HIV infection or AIDS
- Radiation treatments
- Shingles
- Spinal nerve compression, including tumors
- Stroke
- Substance abuse
- Trauma
Based on your results, we can design a personalized treatment plan to reduce symptoms and potentially restore nerve function.
What treatments are available?
Houston Methodist’s pain management team is experienced in a wide range of treatment options, from the latest pain medications to advanced nerve surgery. Treatment of neuropathic pain may include any of the following treatment options:
- Blood sugar management for patients with diabetes
- Physical therapy
- Acupuncture or massage therapy
- Injections, including steroid or Botox®, can relax overactive nerves
- Surgery to remove or relieve pressure on the nerve
- Severing, heating or blocking a nerve
- Implanted nerve stimulator therapy
- Brain stimulation
Medication can help relieve symptoms, depending on the severity of your condition. Your doctor may recommend drugs to manage the pain, including:
- Antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, duloxetine)
- Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine)
- Opioids (morphine, oxycodone, tramadol)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Topical creams with lidocaine or capsaicin
What if I need advanced care or a second opinion?
