Neuropathic Pain

What it is

Neuropathic pain occurs when there is a malfunction in the part of the nervous system that tells the brain that tissue is injured. While there may be no injury to the tissue where the pain exists, the nervous system tells the brain that there is damage, causing pain. Causes include peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, among others.

Symptoms

Symptoms include sensations of pins and needles, tingling, burning, and electrical current running through the affected area.

Treatment

Treatment can involve finding and treating the cause, medications (often originally developed for other conditions), lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.