What is Burning Neuropathic Pain?
Burning neuropathic pain is a chronic condition characterized by a painful stinging and burning sensation as a result of injury or damage to a nerve or due to malfunctioning of the nervous system. The damaged nerve releases false signals to the pain centers of the brain resulting in the pain sensation. In some cases, this condition is temporary and goes away on its own.
Causes of Burning Neuropathic Pain
Some of the most common causes of burning neuropathic pain include:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral artery disease
- Amputation
- Multiple myeloma
- Compression in nerve and spinal cord
- Peripheral nerve problems
- Thyroid problems
- Surgery of the spine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Alcoholism
Symptoms of Burning Neuropathic Pain
Symptoms of burning neuropathic pain vary with different individuals and include:
- Burning sensation
- Feeling of numbness and tingling
- Pain from non-painful stimuli like cold, or rubbing against objects
- Chronic abnormal or unpleasant sensation
- Spontaneous pain that occurs for no obvious reason
Diagnosis of Burning Neuropathic Pain
To obtain an accurate diagnosis of burning neuropathic pain your doctor may perform the following:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will physically examine the location of pain.
- Blood test: It may be performed to detect thyroid abnormalities and vitamin deficiency.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test will help detect damage to the nerves.
- MRI scan: This test uses strong magnetic waves to produces images of the brain and spinal cord.
Treatment for Burning Neuropathic Pain
Treatment options for burning neuropathic pain include:
Oral Pain Medications
- Vitamin B supplements
- Antidepressant drugs
- Topical pain medications in the form of patches, ointments, and creams
- Anti-seizure drugs that block the transmission of false signals to the brain
- Implant devices that send electrical signals to the brain which block the abnormal pain signal transmission.
Physical Therapy Exercises
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- In rare cases, surgery will be carried out to release the compressed nerves.
