US Medical Term · symptoms
Neuralgia
Neuralgia
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Neuralgia |
| Spanish (Español) | Neuralgia |
| Chinese (中文) | 神經痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 신경통 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau dây thần kinh |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Neuralgia |
| Portuguese (Português) | Neuralgia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการปวดตามเส้นประสาท |
| Japanese (日本語) | 神経痛 |
What it means
Neuralgia is intense, stabbing, or burning pain along the course of a nerve, caused by nerve irritation or damage. Common types include trigeminal neuralgia (severe face pain), postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles), and occipital neuralgia (pain at the back of the head). The pain may come in brief, intense bursts triggered by touch, chewing, or movement, or it may be continuous. It can be extremely disabling. Causes include infections such as shingles, nerve compression, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and injury. Treatment options include anticonvulsant medications, antidepressants, nerve blocks, or surgical procedures, depending on the type and severity.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have sudden, severe shooting pain in my face that lasts only a few seconds but comes back repeatedly.
Tengo un dolor agudo y repentino en la cara que dura solo unos segundos pero regresa repetidamente.
After my shingles healed I still have a burning, painful area on my chest.
Después de que se curó mi herpes zóster, todavía tengo un área ardiente y dolorosa en el pecho.
Even a light breeze or touching my face triggers the pain.
Incluso una brisa suave o tocarme la cara desencadena el dolor.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
M79 Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classifiedRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026