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Central nervous system
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Neuralgia
Alternative Names: Nerve pain; Postherpetic neuralgia Symptoms: Pain located anywhere, usually on or near the surface of the body In the same location for each episode Sharp, stabbing pain or constant, burning pain Pain along the path of a specific nerve Impaired function of affected body part due to pain, or muscle weakness due to concomitant motor nerve damage. Increased sensitivity of the skin or numbness of the affected skin area (feeling similar to a local anesthetic such as a Novacaine shot) Any touch or pressure is interpreted as pain. Movement may also be painful. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below Neurologic examination shows tenderness occurring along a nerve tract. Trigeminal neuralgia usually causes pain along the second and third nerve divisions (lower face and jaw), and rarely involves the first nerve division (temple and forehead). Other signs of altered nerve function may be often encountered, such as loss of deep tendon reflexes, local loss of muscle bulk, local lack of sweating (sweating is regulated by nerve function), and abnormal skin sensation. There may be specific trigger points (areas where even a slight touch triggers pain). A dental examination is used to rule out dental disorders that may cause facial pain. The presence of other symptoms (such as redness or swelling) may indicate disorders causing the pain, such as infections, bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, or other disorders. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>