US Medical Term · symptoms
Neuropathic Pain
Dolor neuropático
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Neuropathic Pain |
| Spanish (Español) | Dolor neuropático |
| Chinese (中文) | 神經病理性疼痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 신경병증성 통증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau thần kinh |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Neuropathic na sakit |
| Portuguese (Português) | Dor neuropática |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อาการปวดระบบประสาท |
| Japanese (日本語) | 神経障害性疼痛 |
What it means
Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to or dysfunction of the nervous system itself, rather than by injury to body tissue. The nervous system sends incorrect pain signals even when there is no ongoing physical harm. It is often described as burning, shooting, stabbing, or electric shock-like. Patients may also experience numbness, tingling, or unusual sensitivity to touch. Common causes include diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), shingles, chemotherapy side effects, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and nerve entrapment. Neuropathic pain can be hard to treat. Medications such as certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical creams are often used, in addition to nerve blocks and other interventional therapies.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have a burning and tingling pain in my feet that is worse at night.
Tengo un dolor ardiente y hormigueante en los pies que es peor por la noche.
My pain feels like electric shocks shooting through my leg.
Mi dolor se siente como descargas eléctricas que recorren mi pierna.
Even light touch on my skin is very painful.
Incluso el toque suave en mi piel es muy doloroso.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026