Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)

Service detail

Neuropathic pain (nerve pain) is a common type of chronic pain. It is caused by nerve disease or nerve damage.

Nerve pain is often described as burning, aching or like electric shocks. It is felt in the area supplied by the affected nerve. Many patients also have pins and needles, numbness and weakness, also caused by the damaged nerve.

Nerve pain is treated differently from other pains, so it is important to make an accurate diagnosis. The assessment includes a physical examination; scans or other tests may also be needed. Intrathecal drug delivery is used.

Nerve pain can be caused by shingles, diabetes, surgery, or a stroke, among other causes.

 

What The Walton Centre can offer

The Walton Centre is a specialist centre for neurological conditions and has the expertise and experience to make a diagnosis in most of the patients with nerve pain. All treatments are tailored for the individual patient.

We are able to offer advanced pharmacological treatment for nerve pain including treatments only available in hospital, such as capsaicin (chilli pepper) patch application or infusion therapy, if these treatment are appropriate for the individual patient.

We have available specialist neuromodulation treatment, such as spinal cord stimulation.

Some patients may benefit from rehabilitation treatment if the chronic pain has had a major effect on their quality of life.

Close co-operation with our neurosurgeons enables The Walton Centre to offer neurosurgical procedures for pain relief in selected patients.

We also have an active research department and will invite some patients to take part in clinical trials looking into new treatment options.

 

Referral information

If the diagnosis of nerve pain is made or suspected your GP will start treatment with medication suggested by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

If this treatment is not sufficient or stronger, morphine-like medication is required, then a referral to a pain clinic with experience in the treatment of nerve pain should be made.

Patient leaflets

Botulinum Toxin for Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Botulinum toxin Type A can relief peripheral neuropathic pain.

Page last updated: 22 June 2021

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