Neuralgia

Neuralgia refers to severe, sharp, shooting pain along the distribution of a nerve. Etiologies include post-infectious, metabolic, compressive, or idiopathic causes. Pathophysiology involves nerve injury, demyelination, or ectopic firing. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by imaging and nerve conduction studies. Management includes anticonvulsants, analgesics, nerve blocks, and treatment of underlying causes; prognosis depends on etiology and response to therapy.