Overview:
Neuropathy And Neuralgia Pain Treatment Doctor in Austin, TX
NEARLY 16% OF AMERICANS ARE DIAGNOSED EVERY YEAR WITH PAIN THAT HAS A NEUROPATHIC COMPONENT IN IT.
“Neuralgia” and “neuropathy” are terms used for medical conditions related to the nerves in the somatosensory system (a part of the sensory nervous system). This can also be referred to as “neurogenic pain” or “neuropathic pain.” The terms neuralgia, neuropathy, and “neuritis” have often been used interchangeably due to their similarities. However, they have multiple differences. Neuritis is inflammation in one or more nerves by injury, infection, or any autoimmune disorder. It is characterized by tenderness, pain, impaired sensations, and, in rare cases, neuropathy.
Neuropathy (or “nerve damage”) usually manifests as pain, numbness, muscle weakness, swelling, or tingling in various parts of the body and is caused by degeneration, dysfunction, or other damage to the peripheral nerves, including the motor nerves and sensory nerves – not just inflammation. This condition results in a loss sensation in the nerve and/or wrong signals being sent by the nerves to the brain. Patients can experience a complete loss of sensation in parts of the body (usually beginning in the feet) or have sudden bouts of burning/stabbing pain. The most common types of neuropathy include peripheral, proximal, focal, and autonomic neuropathy, each affecting a different set of nerves in the body.
Neuralgia is a type of nerve pain usually caused by inflammation, injury, or infection (neuritis) or by damage, degeneration, or dysfunction of the nerves (neuropathy). This pain can be experienced as an acute bout of burning, stabbing, or tingling sensation with varying degrees of intensity across nerves) in the body. Subcategories of this condition are trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Seeking the best neuropathy treatment in Austin? Experience relief from neuralgia and neuropathy pain with Advanced Pain Care‘s personalized treatments. With a comprehensive approach, we aim to manage both symptoms and their underlying causes for lasting results. Free yourself from neuropathy limitations. Schedule a consultation today!
Causes & Symptoms of Neuropathy And Neuralgia Pain
Causes:
Neuralgia pain can occur at any age; however, it is more common in older people. The primary cause(s) of this type of nerve pain remains undeterminable. In the case of primary neuralgia, no structural issues were observed in the nerve(s). Neuralgia can also be caused by a lesion on a nerve. The most common causes of lesions (irritation or damage to the peripheral nerves) can include:
- Blood disorder or porphyria
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chemical irritations
- Diabetes
- Trauma
- Infections such as shingles, Lyme’s disease, and HIV/AIDS
- Usage of specific medicines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Surgery
Neuropathy pain often starts in the feet or the hands but can be experienced in other parts of the body. This condition, commonly known as peripheral neuropathy, usually affects people above 55 and indicates problems in the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral neuropathy can be classified as:
- Mononeuropathy — one single peripheral nerve is affected (Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common example)
- Multiple Mononeuropathy — single nerves in multiple spots are affected (examples include types of palsy such as ulnar nerve palsy and radial nerve palsy)
- Polyneuropathy — multiple peripheral nerves malfunction simultaneously (Diabetic neuropathy and Guillain-Barre syndrome are examples of this condition)
Neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors. This condition can be hereditary, or idiopathic.
Some common causes of acquired neuropathy (including systemic diseases), include; diabetes, kidney failure, and cancer, along with prolonged nerve pressure, alcohol/substance abuse, physical injury, chemotherapy, poor nutrition, abnormal protein deposits, various autoimmune diseases, infections like AIDS and Lyme disease, vitamin deficiency, vascular disorders, and tumors.
Hereditary neuropathy stems from inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, while idiopathic neuropathy has unknown causes.
Symptoms:
Neuralgia or nerve pain can manifest itself in different ways. Neuropathy doctors at Advanced Pain Care define some of the most common symptoms of neuralgia, such as:
- Throbbing, shooting, or radiating pain along a nerve path
- Sporadic pain that is similar to an electric shock
- Involuntary cramping or twitching of muscles
- Atrophy or loss in muscle mass
- Dull aching sensation
- Sensations of tingling or numbness
- Weakness in the muscles
- Sensations of tightness
- Intense stabbing pain
Neuropathy has some characteristic symptoms, which include:
- Sudden onset of numbness or tingling
- Loss of muscle mass or atrophy
- Weakness in the muscles
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of sensations
- Hypersensitivity
- Incontinence
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach bloating after meals
- Difficulty in managing motor tasks
- Loss of dexterity and coordination
- Intolerance to heat
- Hypoglycemia
- Blurred vision
Always seek professional consultation to accurately understand your symptoms, condition type, and the right treatment for it.
Different Types of Neurogenic And Neuropathic Pain
Some common types of neuralgia include:
- Trigeminal Neuralgia — This type of nerve pain is caused in the head, specifically in the face, mouth, teeth, and nose regions. There are two subtypes of trigeminal neuralgia: a) TN, which experiences sporadic sensations like electric shocks, and b) TN, which is in the form of a dull and constant ache. This form of neuralgia can occur in anyone after puberty but is more common in those above 50. This is a progressive condition, with the duration between attacks getting shorter as the disease progresses. The attacks can even be induced by routine activities such as talking or eating.
- Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia — This form of neuralgia or nerve pain affects the glossopharyngeal cranial nerve. Though rare, this form is characterized by extreme and recurring pain in the throat, back of the tongue, ear, and tonsils. This disease usually sets in after the age of 40 and is more common in men. Pain episodes last for brief periods of time and can be brought on by routine activities such as coughing, talking, or sneezing.
- Occipital Neuralgia — This type of nerve pain affects the occipital nerve. It originates as pain in the neck and radiates to the region behind the eyes and at the back of the head. This condition is experienced as throbbing or shooting pain. Apart from the typical causes of neuralgia, occipital neuralgia can also be caused by sudden movements of the neck, stiffness in the neck, etc. This is a common cause of chronic headaches.
- Postherpetic Neuralgia — This form of neuralgia occurs as one of the most common complications arising from shingles, a viral infection. It is an extremely painful condition that affects the nerves in the skin.
Neuralgia can also occur as postoperative nerve pain or pelvic nerve pain.
Neuropathy can affect both sensory and motor nerves. In rare cases, neuropathy can also manifest in the internal organs. Based on the region affected, the types of neuropathy can be classified as:
- Peripheral Neuropathy — This type of neuropathy includes peripheral diabetic neuropathy or distal polyneuropathy. As one of the most common forms of neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy is often caused by diabetes and can affect both the limbs and a large expanse of nerves. For this reason, this condition can cause severe damage in the form of deformities and ulcers. It is often associated with vascular insufficiency and should be treated aggressively to avoid complications.
- Proximal Neuropathy — Also called diabetic amyotrophy, it can cause severe muscle weakness. This type of neuropathy is usually characterized by radiating or sharp and shooting pain.
- Autonomic Neuropathy — A rare form of neuropathy that affects the body’s internal organs (autonomic nervous system) and disrupts normal function. The impact of this specific condition can be immense as it can affect several different functions of the body simultaneously.
- Focal Neuropathy — This is a form of mononeuropathy, which means that it affects only one nerve. Focal neuropathy can manifest in the nerves in the head, legs, or torso.
- Cranial Neuropathy — This occurs when the cranial nerves are damaged and can result in severe pain and dysfunction of the head and neck.
Are you unsure about your type of nerve pain condition? Get a timely diagnosis from our neuralgia and neuropathy doctors.
When Should You See Our Doctor for Neuropathy And Neuralgia?
Nerve pain, be it neuralgia or neuropathy, can cause permanent damage if not treated early.
Pain is not the yardstick to measure if your condition is getting better, because both neuralgia and neuropathy can cause numbness and loss of sensation in various parts of the body.
There are also certain symptoms that clearly indicate a need to see a doctor immediately:
- Increased numbness and loss of sensitivity
- Uncontrollable or jerky body movements
- Loss of control over bodily functions
- Vision or hearing-related issues
- Muscle weakness
- Disorientation and/or loss of memory
- Sleep disturbances
- Seizures
- Shingles
Neuropathy is a progressive disease with various stages of development.
- Stage 1 — expressed through numbness and pain
- Stage 2 — characterized by constant pain.
- Stage 3 — results in pain becoming extremely intense.
- Stage 4 — expresses complete numbness and loss of sensations. If the condition is left untreated and reaches Stage 4, the risk of recurrent wounds and amputations is greatly increased.
Early intervention can prevent the possibility of permanent damage to the brain, spinal cord, and/or specific nerves affected by the condition. Consulting your healthcare provider at Advanced Pain Care can also help you get the right treatment to minimize the pain and identify the root cause of the condition.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Neuropathy And Neuralgia at Advanced Pain Care
Diagnosis
To diagnose a neuropathic condition, the neurosurgeons and pain care management doctors at Advanced Pain Care examine what types of symptoms are occurring and to what extent. All exams or tests are prescribed as needed. To aid in the diagnosis process, the following steps are taken:
- Review of past medical history and symptoms to identify the underlying cause of the pain
- Neurological examinations
- Blood tests to check for any deficiencies or diseases
- X-rays and MRIs to identify the source of the pressure on the nerves
- Electromyography to measure the function of the nerves
- Nerve conduction velocity test to measure the speed at which signals are transmitted through the nerves
- Nerve, muscle, or skin biopsies in case of suspected malignancies
- Tests such as QSART to check for the body’s ability to sweat
- Genetic tests to check for hereditary factors
The neuralgia doctors and pain care specialists at Advanced Pain Care approach the diagnosis of neuralgia in the following manner:
- Past medical history and symptoms to identify the underlying cause of the pain
- Measurement of the pain using assessment questionnaires such as the McGill pain questionnaire
- Physical examination to check for the body’s response to varied stimuli – mechanical, thermal, and chemical factors
- Tools such as laser evoked potentials (to assess damage to central and peripheral nervous systems) and quantitative sensory testing (response to external stimuli in a controlled setting)
- Blood tests to check for any infections
- X-rays and MRIs to check for nerve compression or lesions
Treatment:
Neuropathic pain treatment includes a plan to control and manage the symptoms while treating the underlying causes. Here are the possible treatment plans that may be offered by neurosurgeons based on the specifics of this type of condition for pain relief:
- Treating diabetes condition and taking measures to keep the blood sugar under control
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Prescription pain medications, antiepileptic medicines, and antidepressants
- Ergonomic casts or splints if the affected areas are the limbs
- Cannabinoids
- Botulinum neurotoxin injections
- Immune suppressing or immune-modulating therapies
- Physical therapy
Spinal stimulation is the most effective treatment for chronic pain due to neuropathy.
Neuralgia treatment is heavily dependent on a proper diagnosis.
In the case of primary neuralgia or idiopathic neuralgia, the neurosurgeons and pain management doctors at Advanced Pain Care take a pharmacological approach to the treatment. Depending on the location and severity of the pain, antiepileptic medications have proved to be effective. Here is a list of additional medications used to minimize pain incidence and treat the underlying causes of the condition:
- Antiseizure medications
- Antidepressant medications
- Over-the-counter pain medications (such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen)
- Prescription pain medications
- Capsaicin or lidocaine medicated skin creams and patches
- Muscle relaxants
- Membrane-stabilizing medications
- Physical therapy
Trigeminal neuralgia treatment includes pain-relieving medications like anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants. Nerve blocks or surgery may be options for relieving nerve pressure.
Peripheral neuropathy treatment targets causes like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Medications manage symptoms, while physical therapy and lifestyle changes boost quality of life.
Treatment for occipital neuralgia typically includes medications to ease pain, along with physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments. In severe cases, surgery might be an option for long-lasting relief.
Spinal stimulation at Advanced Pain Care is very effective for chronic pain due to neuralgia.
Is Surgery Required for Neuralgia And Neuropathy?
In some cases, when pharmacological interventions and therapies are not providing the desired relief from neuropathy or neuralgia pain, surgical intervention may be advised. Some prescribed surgical interventions include:
- Neural augmentative surgeries to stimulate the affected nerves
- Thermocoagulation
- Balloon decompression
- Gamma-knife radiosurgery
- Nerve ablation
- Nerve blocks
- Peripheral neurolysis
- Microvascular decompression
- Stereotactic surgery
- Plasmapheresis
- Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation or TENS
- Neuromodulators
- Deep brain stimulation
- Motor cortex stimulation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Intrathecal pumps for drug delivery
Consult our doctors to understand if surgery is the right choice for you, in treating neuralgia and neuropathy.
Risk Factors Associated With Neuralgia And Neuropathy
The most common risk factors for neuralgia include:
- Age (higher incidence in Adults 50+)
- Tumors
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Shingles
- Stress
Neuropathy can be associated with several risk factors, such as:
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse
- Vitamin deficiency
- Genetic diseases
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Trauma or injury
- Stress
- Tumors
- Infections
Patient Testimonial
Everyone was amazing at focusing on my personal needs and making sure I was taken care of! Sariyah was extremely friendly and so helpful in helping me navigate what to do! I sincerely appreciate this team and the work that they do!
Jackie Whitfield
Been with APC for over 3yrs and it’s been a blessing for me. Dr. Higgy, Rebecca, Kristy and Marissa go out their way to make your experience a good one. If you are really looking for quality care the people at APC are hard to beat.
Marcus Ford
What Precautions Can Be Taken to Prevent Neuralgia And Neuropathy?
While there are no specific ways to prevent neuralgia, identifying the triggers that cause the pain can go a long way in controlling the symptoms. Here are suggestions to reduce triggers, incidences of pain, and other symptoms associated with this condition:
Consult Advanced Pain Care Doctors to Get Relief from Nerve Pain in Austin, TX
If you’re dealing with persistent nerve pain, relief is just a call away at Advanced Pain Care. We provide personalized treatment plans and therapies depending on your condition, including medication management, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures. You can get prompt and personalized care with convenient same-day or next-day appointments. Our experienced neurosurgeons and pain management doctors help you in discovering a pain-free life. Book your consultation now or give us a call at 512-244-4272.
FAQS
Q: Does neuralgia go away?
A: Neuralgia is not a condition that goes away on its own. Treatment is required for primary neuralgias. In the case of secondary neuralgia, nerve pain may be reduced if the underlying cause of the pain has been treated successfully. Seeking proper medical guidance and treatment with our specialists can help you manage neurogenic pain effectively and improve your quality of life.
Q: What is neuralgia in the face?
A: Trigeminal neuralgia is a type of nerve pain affecting the head, including the face, mouth, teeth, and nose. It manifests in two subtypes: Type 1 causes sporadic electric shock-like sensations in facial nerves, while Type 2 typically presents as dull pain or constant aches. It can develop in individuals after puberty, but it’s more prevalent in those over 50. This condition worsens over time, with attack intervals shortening as the disease advances. Being among the top search results for “trigeminal neuralgia doctors near me” in Austin, Advanced Pain Care helps you with effective trigeminal neuralgia treatment.
Q: Is neuropathy curable?
A: The damage caused by neuropathy cannot be reversed, although it can be controlled and treated. Most treatments aim at managing the symptoms and preventing further damage to the nerves. Advanced Pain Care offers a variety of therapies to manage neuropathy symptoms, such as medication, physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and lifestyle changes.
Q: Is neuropathy a progressive condition?
A: Neuropathy pain can get worse over time if not treated early. Early diagnosis and management by neuralgia specialists at Advanced Pain Care can help you slow its progression and manage symptoms effectively.
Q: What complications can arise from untreated neuropathy?
A: Untreated neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, mobility problems, foot ulcers, infections, and permanent nerve damage. Our thorough approach to treating neuralgia and neuropathy can help prevent complications from untreated nerve conditions, ensuring you receive the care you need to stay healthy.
