Nerve pain, or neuralgia, is pain that follows the path of a nerve. It is common in the elderly population, though it can strike at any age. While the cause is often unknown, neuralgia can be caused by:
- Certain drugs
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Pressure on the nerves by nearby structures, such as a tumor
- Inflammation
- Trauma, including surgery
The most common form of neuralgia is trigeminal neuralgia.
Why Choose MedStar Georgetown University Hospital for to Treat Your Nerve Pain?
Neuralgia is a complicated condition that is often confused with other painful nerve conditions. At the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Institute at Georgetown University, our physicians' philosophy is to get at the root of the pain, and the causes, so we can treat you effectively. While we often prescribe medication and forms of physical therapy, we also recognize that for some patients, the only real hope for treatment is surgery. Learn more about nerve reconstruction surgery.
Nerve Pain Treatment
The goal of neuralgia treatment is to reverse or control the cause of the nerve problem and provide you with relief. Because the causes of neuralgia are so varied, treatment will depend on the cause, location and severity of the pain, along with other factors such as your general health. Sometimes, even if the cause of neuralgia is never determined, the pain improves on its own or even disappears.
Treatment for neuralgia ranges from conservative methods to surgery.
Peripheral Nerve Surgery to Treat Neuralgia
If the cause of the neuralgia is known—such as a tumor compressing the nerve—then it can be treated. This may include surgery to remove the tumor or peripheral nerve surgery to separate the nerve from the blood vessels or other structures that are pressing on it. Learn more about nerve reconstruction surgery, or nerve decompression surgeries.
