Types of nerve pain

Nerve pain is grouped by the nerves affected and by its cause.

By the nerves involved

• Peripheral neuropathy: damage to nerves of the hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy is the best-known form.
• Radiculopathy: a pinched nerve root in the spine, such as sciatica in the leg or a pinched nerve in the neck
• Mononeuropathy: damage to a single nerve, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neuralgia: severe pain along a nerve, such as trigeminal neuralgia in the face or post-herpetic neuralgia after shingles
• Central neuropathic pain: pain from the brain or spinal cord, as in stroke, spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
• Autonomic neuropathy: nerves controlling blood pressure, digestion and sweating

By cause

Diabetic, nutritional (such as B12 deficiency), alcohol-related, infectious, autoimmune, medicine-induced, injury-related and inherited types.

By time

• Acute: short-term, for example after an injury
• Chronic: lasting more than 3 months

Why the type matters

Medicines and procedures differ. A doctor decides the type from history, examination, and tests such as blood tests and nerve conduction studies or MRI.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts group Vata disorders by body region. These do not map exactly to modern types.

Remember

Only a doctor can identify the exact type, and treatment depends on it.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have burning, tingling or numbness that lasts, spreads or is linked to diabetes, or if there is weakness. Do not self-medicate for long periods, avoid unknown herbal products, and do not use oils, herbs or home remedies on infants or young children without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.