Neuralgia is a type of pain involving the nerve pathways. It can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions such as infection, inflammation, trauma, and tumors. Neuralgia can be divided into three main types based on the type of nerve affected:
1. Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN): This type of neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for the sensation of the face, mouth, and teeth. It is characterized by sudden, sharp, electric-shock-like pain that can last from a few seconds to several minutes. People often experience pain when lightly touching the face or brushing their teeth.
2. Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): This type of neuralgia is caused by shingles, an infection that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is characterized by a burning, aching, or shooting pain that can linger for months or even years after the shingles rash has disappeared.
3. Occipital Neuralgia: This type of neuralgia affects the occipital nerve, which runs from the back of the head to the neck and shoulders. It is characterized by severe pain in the back of the head and neck, and it can be aggravated by neck movement. It is often accompanied by tenderness in the area.
It is important to note that neuralgia is a symptom and not a diagnosis. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any type of nerve pain to get an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment plan for your specific condition.