Neuropathic pain is chronic pain in which the nerve fibers themselves have become damaged or dysfunctional. As a result, the fibers send incorrect signals that are perceived as pain. Neuropathic pain usually follows a tissue injury, and you might feel it as either pins and needles, a burning sensation or an electrical shock.
Neuropathic pain can occur anywhere in the nervous system, which is generally divided by area into peripheral and central systems.
With neuropathic pain, the function of the nerves becomes compromised and nerve activity increases. Left unchecked, this activity causes other nerves to become ultra-sensitive, leading to altered responses to felt sensations, such as allodynia.
Neuropathic pain may last for a long time and cause the sufferer to constantly be looking for something to relieve it. In general, this type of pain does not respond very well to painkillers.
If this type of pain persists, a doctor may suggest invasive pain management procedures.
