Neuralgia

Physical therapy may be helpful for some types of neuralgia, especially postherpetic neuralgia. Treatment of shingles with antiviral medication may decrease the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most neuralgias are not life-threatening and do not indicate other life-threatening disorders. However, pain can be severe and in some cases, incapacitating. For severe pain, be sure to see a pain specialist so that all options for treatment can be explored.

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Most neuralgias will respond to treatment. Attacks of pain are usually episodic (occurring in intervals, alternating with relatively pain-free periods of time). However, attacks may become more frequent in some patients as they age.

Complications:

Unnecessary dental procedures prior to diagnosis of neuralgia
Disability caused by pain
Complications of surgery
Side effects of medications used to control pain (see the specific medication)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of neuralgia are present, especially if prolonged or unrelieved by over-the-counter analgesics. See a pain specialist for severe pain.