Neuropathy is a type of pain that occurs when nerves in the peripheral or central nervous system are compressed, pinched, trapped, or affected by disease. Specific causes of neuropathy include:
• Nerve degeneration: Stroke, brain bleeding, multiple sclerosis
• Nerve pressure: Trapped nerve, pinched nerve
• Nerve inflammation: Ruptured disc, slipped disc
• Nerve infection: Shingles, viral infection
Common types of neuropathy include:
Entrapment Neuropathy
A trapped or pinched nerve at the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, lower leg, or foot. Common examples of nerve entrapment include carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome (neck), or piriformis syndrome (hip).
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy first develops in the longest nerves of the body in a "glove and stocking" distribution to the hands and feet. There are numerous causes of peripheral neuropathy, including certain hereditary conditions, viral diseases, liver or kidney failure, and toxins, as well as diseases such as diabetes, vascular disease, and rheumatoid conditions.
Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom limb pain occurs in some people after the amputation of an arm or leg. Although the exact cause of phantom limb pain is unknown, it appears to result when the nerves and memories in the brain send faulty signals as the circuitry attempts to "rewire" itself.
Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a type of nerve pain that can occur following a viral infection of herpes zoster "shingles" in the nervous system. Post herpetic neuralgia aching or stabbing pain occurs in areas where the shingles rash developed. The skin in such areas may feel extra sensitive, especially in white-colored scars.
Post Traumatic Neuropathy
Post Traumatic Neuropathy occurs after injury or medical procedures, such as surgery or injection. Nerve pain symptoms may arise at the injury site and nerve path.
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a cause of severe pain in the face and jaw. Shocking, electric "lightening" pains typically precede dull aching pain. Trigeminal neuralgia usually affects only one side of the face. The exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown, but it develops where the trigeminal nerve is compressed, pinched, or irritated.
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