Neuropathic pain has numerous causes. According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library website, neuropathic pain is caused by damage to or dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is made up of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Neuropathic pain is characterized by pain that's out of proportion to an injury, abnormal sensations in affected areas and evidence of nerve damage during a neurologic examination by a qualified health care professional.
Central Pain Syndrome
Central pain syndrome can cause neuropathic pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, central pain syndrome is a neurological condition in which the central nervous system---brain, brainstem and spinal cord---are damaged. The most common causes of central pain syndrome are stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, epilepsy, brain or spinal cord trauma, and Parkinson's disease.
NINDS states that the character or quality of central pain syndrome-related pain varies from person to person, due to the large number of potential causes. Central pain syndrome-related pain can be diffuse, or widespread, or focal, affecting only the hands or the feet. In most people with central pain syndrome, the pain is constant and moderate to severe in intensity. In some cases, the pain is exacerbated or made worse with touch, movement, emotions and temperature swings.
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Post-herpetic neuralgia can cause neuropathic pain. The Mayo Clinic website states that post-herpetic neuralgia is a painful disorder that targets the nerves and the skin they supply. The quality of post-herpetic neuralgia-related pain is burning, and it can be significant enough to interfere with a person's activities of daily living, such as sleeping and eating.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, post-herpetic neuralgia is a complication of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Pain that remains in the affected area, even after shingles-related rashes and blisters have disappeared, is called post-herpetic neuralgia. The Mayo Clinic website states that most people who develop post-herpetic neuralgia are at least 60 years of age.
Common signs and symptoms associated with post-herpetic neuralgia include the following: burning or sharp pain in the affected area, extreme skin sensitivity to light touch, itching, and numbness and muscle weakness.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, or RSDS, which is also known as complex regional pain syndrome, can cause neuropathic pain. According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, RSDS is a neurological condition characterized by severe burning pain, bone and skin changes, tissue swelling, excessive sweating, and heightened sensitivity to light touch. NINDS states that RSDS usually targets one of the arms, legs, hands or feet. Pain in the hand or foot may then spread to a nearby arm or leg.
Presently there is no cure for RSDS. Treatment for this condition is intended to relieve pain and other symptoms. According to the NINDS, the prognosis for a person with RSDS varies between individuals. Some people may experience a lessening or remission of symptoms, while others experience chronic pain.
References
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Neuropathic Pain
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What Is Central Pain Syndrome?
- Mayo Clinic: Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association: About CRPS
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
