About Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is a pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue injury. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged, dysfunctional, or injured. These damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The impact of nerve fiber injury includes a change in nerve function both at the site of injury and areas around the injury.
Another example of neuropathic pain is called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This malady is characterized by pain that is out of proportion to the initial injury as well as symptoms of regional autonomic dysregulation. Burning pain, thermal allodynia, hyperalgesia, deep tissue, joint pain and swelling are some of the more common symptoms. The vast majority of cases are related to peripheral extremity trauma but complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has also been described after stroke, spinal cord injury, and myocardial infarction. While complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can resolve, there is a subgroup of patients that develop disabling complications.
View treatment options for neurologic pain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Causes of Neuropathic Pain
Some common causes of neuropathic pain include:
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Alcoholism
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Amputation
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Back, leg, and hip problems
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Chemotherapy
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
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Diabetes
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HIV or AIDS
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Multiple sclerosis
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Radiculopathy
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Shingles
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain symptoms may include:
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Shooting and burning pain
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Tingling and numbness
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