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Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain comes from damage or irritation to the nerves themselves, causing burning, shooting or electric-shock sensations. It is treated differently from ordinary pain.
Causes & risk factors
- Diabetes (a common cause)
- Shingles (post-shingles nerve pain)
- Nerve injury or surgery
- Trapped or compressed nerves
- Some chemotherapy treatments
- Conditions such as multiple sclerosis
Common symptoms
- Burning or shooting pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Electric-shock-like sensations
- Pain from light touch
- Pain worse at night
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical assessment
- Blood sugar
- HbA1c
- Vitamin B12
- Nerve conduction study
Treatment & management
- Specific nerve-pain medicines (ordinary painkillers often do not work well)
- Treating the underlying cause, such as controlling diabetes
- Physiotherapy and gentle activity
- Psychological support and pain-management programmes
- Topical treatments or nerve procedures in some cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- Sudden severe weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control — call your local emergency number now
- Rapidly spreading numbness or weakness
- Nerve pain that is severe or not controlled
- A non-healing wound in a numb area
Frequently asked questions
Why do normal painkillers not help nerve pain?
Nerve pain is caused by faulty nerve signalling rather than tissue damage, so it responds to specific medicines that calm the nerves rather than to standard painkillers. A doctor can prescribe the right type.
Can neuropathic pain be cured?
Sometimes, if the cause can be treated early. Often the goal is good control rather than cure, using a combination of medicines, treating the cause, and pain-management strategies.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.