Definition of Neuralgia:

Neuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve.

See also:

• Shingles
• Trigeminal neuralgia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Causes of neuralgia include:

• Chemical irritation
• Chronic renal insufficiency
• Diabetes
• Infections, such as herpes zoster ( shingles), HIV, Lyme disease, and syphilis
• Medications such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, or vincristine
• Porphyria
• Pressure on nerves by nearby bones, ligaments, blood vessels, or tumors
• Trauma (including surgery)

In many cases, the cause is unknown.

Postherpetic neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia are the two most common forms of neuralgia. A related but less common neuralgia affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, which provides feeling to the throat.

Neuralgia is more common in elderly people, but it may occur at any age.