Neuropathic Pain Quiz
Check your symptoms and
find possible causes with AI for free
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the Neuropathic Pain test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Hand tingling
Leg pain
Chest pain feels like a numbing pain
Painful shoulder
Shingles-like rash on the skin
Moving shoulder causes pain
Loss of sensation
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Neuropathic Pain?
Neuropathic pain is usually caused by an injury, disease, or problem with the somatosensory nervous system. This is a common long-term pain condition that greatly affects a person's quality of life. The nerves in this system are what let us feel things like temperature, pressure, and pain. This type of pain often feels like a burning, tingling, sharp, or stabbing sensation. It can be triggered by light touch or cold, and can be constant or come and go. It can also get worse when resting or at night. Neuropathic pain is often caused by viral infections like post-herpetic neuralgia, cancer, blood vessel abnormalities, alcoholism, diabetes, nerve pressure, nerve damage from surgery or accidents, and neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and shingles.
Typical Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
- Neck pain worse when tilting the head towards the shoulder
- History of slipped disc
- Numbness anywhere from the elbow to the wrist
- Tingling, numbing chest pain
- Numbness in the region from shoulder to elbow
- Numbness anywhere from the knees to the ankles
- Numbness of the thigh
- Tingling or prickling sensation without touching the skin
Diagnostic Questions for Neuropathic Pain
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Does your neck pain worsen when tilting head towards shoulder?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with herniated disc (slipped disc)?
- Do you have numbness in your arm?
- Does your chest pain feel numb?
- Do you have numbness from shoulder to elbow?
Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
The aim of treating neuropathic pain is to control the pain and better the person's life. This usually involves a mix of drugs, physical therapy, and mental health treatments. Medicines used might be antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioid pain relievers. Physical therapies work to build up the body and increase movement, while mental health treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy can help people deal with the emotional effects of having long-term pain. Sometimes, surgery or neurostimulation therapies might be used.
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Kenji Igarashi, MD (Anesthesiology)
Dr. Igarashi graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Medicine. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology and joined Ubie in October 2017. At Ubie, he designs medical data and supports the pharmaceutical team. He also works regularly as an anesthesiologist and internist.
Hiroshi Otake, MD (Anesthesiology)
A 20+years experienced board-certified Anesthesiologist/Critical Care Physician. | An expert in clinical implementation for digital health and machine learning with multi-national clinical experiences in Japan, US and Australia. | Graduated from Master of Science in Clinical Informatics Management at Stanford University in 2022. Served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology and Vice President of Showa University Hospital, one of the largest academic medical centers in Tokyo, before Stanford. | Introduced the first tele-ICU program in Asia and had business experiences as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company to engage in developing the marketing strategy of new drugs for pharmaceutical companies and standardizing the drug inspection processes for PMDA, a Japanese drug approval agency.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Think you might have
Neuropathic Pain?
Try a symptom check testHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min Neuropathic Pain quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
Diseases Related to Neuropathic Pain
FAQs
Q.
Numbness After Bondage? Why Your Nerves Are Compressed & Medical Next Steps
A.
Numbness after bondage most often comes from nerve compression or reduced blood flow, and while mild cases usually improve after removing restraints, symptoms that persist beyond 24 to 48 hours, new weakness, severe burning pain, cold or blue skin, or notable swelling need prompt medical evaluation. There are several factors to consider, including which nerves are likely involved, what to do immediately, and how to prevent future injury. See below for complete details that can guide your next steps, including when to monitor at home, when to call a clinician, and when to seek urgent care.
References:
* Kim HK, Kwon MJ. Pressure-induced neuropathy: A review of mechanisms and management. J Clin Neurol. 2018 Jul;14(3):281-291. doi: 10.3988/jcn.2018.14.3.281. PMID: 29988941; PMCID: PMC6032001.
* Chhabra A, Chhabra R, Arora R. Nerve entrapment syndromes: diagnosis and management. Surg Neurol Int. 2016 Jan 28;7(Suppl 1):S7-S16. doi: 10.4103/2152-7806.173852. PMID: 26904388; PMCID: PMC4754593.
* Ghasemi M, Ghasemi A, Khajavi M. Compressive neuropathies of the upper extremity. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2019 Jul;36(4):263-273. doi: 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000570. PMID: 31276707.
* Hems TE, Hems R, Hems A. Current concepts in diagnosis and management of peripheral nerve injuries. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2020 Jul;102-B(7):821-829. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.102B7.BJR-2019-0294.R2. PMID: 32600508.
* Zarkadas PC, Tsounis MG, Dimopoulos AM, Galanos A, Soucacos PN, Koulouvaris P. Acute nerve compression syndromes of the upper extremity: A systematic review. J Hand Surg Am. 2021 May;46(5):439-448. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.01.011. PMID: 33766627.
Q.
Still in Pain? Why Carbamazepine Works & Your Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider; carbamazepine calms overactive nerve signals by blocking sodium channels, making it a first-line choice for trigeminal neuralgia and often easing electric shock pain within days to a couple of weeks, with more details below. If pain persists, next steps include confirming the diagnosis, adjusting the dose with blood level monitoring, considering add-ons like gabapentin or duloxetine, seeking specialist care, and watching for urgent side effect warnings such as rash, fever, jaundice, confusion, or severe weakness; complete guidance is below.
References:
* Finnerup, N. B., Attal, N., Haroutunian, S., Baños, R. J. E., Baron, R., Dworkin, R. H., ... & Treede, R. D. (2015). Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. *The Lancet Neurology*, *14*(2), 162-173.
* Cruccu, G., & Truini, A. (2017). Trigeminal neuralgia. In *Handbook of Clinical Neurology* (Vol. 140, pp. 267-275). Elsevier.
* Finnerup, N. B., & Attal, N. (2016). Pharmacotherapy of neuropathic pain: what is new, what is old and what is true?. *Pain*, *157*(Suppl 1), S11-S17.
* Haanpää, M. L., & Attal, N. (2019). Neuropathic pain syndromes and their management. *Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care*, *13*(2), 143-149.
* Taylor, C. P., & Angelotti, T. (2019). Mechanisms of action of drugs for neuropathic pain. In *Handbook of Clinical Neurology* (Vol. 165, pp. 111-127). Elsevier.
Q.
Abnormal Reflex? Why Your Nerves Misfire & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Abnormal reflexes that are weak, absent, or exaggerated can signal misfiring along the nerve, spinal cord, brain, or neuromuscular junction, though temporary causes like medications, thyroid, or electrolyte shifts can do this too. Seek emergency care for sudden one sided weakness, trouble speaking, severe headache, or new bladder or bowel loss; otherwise arrange a medical evaluation for exam and tests to find the cause and guide treatment, and see the complete details below since important nuances can change your next steps.
References:
* Attarian S, Vial C. Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathies. Lancet Neurol. 2021 Apr;20(4):300-312. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00008-5. PMID: 33742296.
* Patil S, Shahar E. The stretch reflex: a review of its pathophysiology, clinical relevance, and therapeutic implications. J Clin Neurosci. 2018 Sep;55:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.06.027. Epub 2018 Jul 7. PMID: 30041838.
* Talbot K, Tuffaha S. Motor neuron diseases: recent advances. J Neurol. 2022 Mar;269(3):1165-1178. doi: 10.1007/s00415-021-10974-9. Epub 2022 Jan 27. PMID: 35140134.
* Khedr EM, Aboshanab OA, Elkady AN. Spasticity after stroke: pathophysiology, assessment, and management. Curr Opin Neurol. 2020 Apr;33(2):160-166. doi: 10.1097/WCO.0000000000000799. PMID: 32152019.
* Baron R, Förster M, Binder A. Neuropathic pain: current concepts and treatment. Lancet Neurol. 2020 May;19(5):455-466. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30076-0. PMID: 32306352.
Q.
Nerve Pain? Why Neuropathy Worsens & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Neuropathy worsens when underlying causes like uncontrolled diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, alcohol use, autoimmune disease, certain medications, or ongoing nerve compression continue to injure nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, balance issues, and foot complications. Medically approved next steps include prompt medical evaluation with labs and possible nerve studies, tight glucose control, correcting deficiencies, evidence based pain treatments, physical therapy and exercise, diligent foot care, and lifestyle changes, with urgent symptoms needing immediate care. There are several factors to consider for your specific situation; see the complete guidance below to understand key details that can change which next steps are right for you.
References:
* Hanewinckel, G. T., van Oosterhout, M. F. M., & Vranckx, J. J. G. (2023). Mechanisms of disease progression and treatment for diabetic neuropathy. *Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology*, *10*(11), 2200-2213. [PMID: 37781079]
* Gore, M., Taneja, R. S., Rajadhyaksha, S., Bhoraskar, S. S., Kulkarni, V., & Jaisinghani, R. A. (2021). Risk factors for progression of diabetic polyneuropathy: a systematic review. *Diabetes Care*, *44*(4), 1073-1082. [PMID: 33712411]
* Chaudhry, V., & Chaudhry, R. (2022). Pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy: Current concepts and future perspectives. *Current Opinion in Neurology*, *35*(5), 650-658. [PMID: 36052820]
* Finnerup, N. B., Attal, N., Haroutounian, S., Kamerman, P. R., Baron, R., Bennett, D. L. H., ... & Treede, R. D. (2023). Pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain: an update. *Lancet Neurology*, *22*(8), 708-719. [PMID: 37479592]
* Duby, J. J., Hekman, J. C., & Duby, V. (2019). Diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathy: a review. *JAMA*, *322*(23), 2321-2330. [PMID: 31846447]
Q.
Struggling with Pregabalin? Why Your Nerves React & Your Medical Next Steps
A.
Pregabalin calms overactive nerves, but if you feel worse or not better, common reasons include the dose being off, side effects that mimic nerve pain, mixed pain sources rather than pure neuropathy, heightened nerve sensitivity, or withdrawal after missed doses. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Do not stop suddenly, and instead partner with your clinician to track symptoms, adjust dosing or switch medications, treat underlying causes, add non medication strategies, and seek urgent care for red flags such as facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing, suicidal thoughts, sudden confusion, or chest pain.
References:
* Micheva, M., & Taylor, C. P. (2021). Gabapentinoids: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Use. Drugs, 81(10), 1145–1160.
* Shorrock, N. M., Ma, C. M., Ma, M., & Al-Jammali, N. (2022). Gabapentin and Pregabalin Withdrawal: A Systematic Review. CNS Drugs, 36(6), 619–635.
* Evoy, K. E., Mani, M. P., & Akbik, N. (2021). Gabapentinoids: an update for the clinician. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 34(4), 282–290.
* Matthias, R., Vowles, K. E., Schatman, M. E., Wasan, A. D., Tuan, W. J., & Brennan, M. J. (2022). Practical guidance for dose reduction and withdrawal of gabapentinoids in clinical practice: a consensus statement from an expert panel. Pain, 163(1), e163–e171.
* Tassone, D. M., & Behr, T. B. (2018). Pregabalin: from molecules to therapy. An updated review of its molecular mechanisms of action, clinical indications, and side effects. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 18(1), 35–49.
Q.
Burning Pins or Electric Shocks? Why Your Nerves Are Misfiring and Medically Approved Next Steps for Relief
A.
Burning, shock-like sensations, tingling, or numbness usually point to neuropathy from causes like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol use, autoimmune disease, infections, certain medications, or compressed nerves, which doctors diagnose with history, exam, targeted labs, and sometimes nerve studies. Medically approved next steps include treating the cause, nerve pain medicines such as duloxetine, amitriptyline, gabapentin or pregabalin, topical lidocaine or capsaicin, plus physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and careful foot care, with urgent care needed for sudden weakness, breathing trouble, or loss of bladder or bowel control. There are several factors to consider; see below for key details on causes, red flags, tests, and treatment choices that could affect your next steps.
References:
* Freynhagen, R., & Baron, R. (2020). What is Neuropathic Pain?. *Pain*, *161*(Suppl 1), S1–S6.
* Finnerup, N. B., Kuner, R., & Jensen, T. S. (2019). Neuropathic pain: an updated review of pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. *The Lancet Neurology*, *18*(9), 875–888.
* Colloca, L., Lattanzi, S., & Quaranta, G. (2021). Neuropathic pain: an overview of clinical aspects. *Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics*, *21*(6), 633–644.
* Gilron, I. (2021). Comprehensive Management of Neuropathic Pain. *Mayo Clinic Proceedings*, *96*(8), 2212–2223.
* Chaudhry, V., & Chaudhry, R. (2021). Peripheral Neuropathy: A Practical Approach. *Missouri Medicine*, *118*(1), 74–78.
Q.
Electric Shocks? Why Your Nerves Are Misfiring and How Gabapentin Works
A.
Electric shock sensations are usually due to neuropathic pain from misfiring nerves, and gabapentin can help by binding calcium channels to reduce abnormal nerve firing and calm overactive pain pathways. There are several factors to consider, including common causes, how and when gabapentin starts working, key side effects and safety warnings, when symptoms are an emergency, and other treatments that may help. For important details that could affect your next steps, see below.
References:
* Cheng, T. J. H., van Kleef, M. B. J. M., & van Zundert, B. A. M. H. (2018). Pharmacology of gabapentin and pregabalin for neuropathic pain. *Pain and Therapy*, *7*(1), 1-13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29369986/
* Costigan, M., Scholz, J., & Woolf, C. J. (2009). Neuropathic pain: a maladaptive response of the nervous system to injury. *Annual Review of Neuroscience*, *32*, 1-32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19403036/
* Honnorat, J., & Antoine, J. C. (2018). Mechanisms of action of gabapentin and pregabalin and their alpha2delta targets. *Revue Neurologique*, *174*(5), 332-337. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29729906/
* Baron, R., Binder, A., & Wasner, G. (2010). Neuropathic pain: diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment. *The Lancet Neurology*, *9*(8), 807-819. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20650424/
* Moore, R. A., Wiffen, P. J., Derry, S., & McQuay, H. J. (2020). Gabapentin for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews*, (9). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32997205/
Q.
Electric Zaps? Why Your Nerves Misfire & Pregabalin: Medical Next Steps
A.
Electric zaps, burning, or tingling are often neuropathic pain from misfiring nerves, commonly linked to diabetes, shingles, nerve compression, chemotherapy, alcohol, or B12 deficiency, and they warrant urgent care if paired with weakness, bladder or bowel loss, chest pain, vision changes, or slurred speech. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Pregabalin can quiet overactive nerve signals and ease pain, but it is not a cure, does not work for everyone, and must be used with medical supervision due to side effects and the need for careful dosing and tapering, with other options like gabapentin, duloxetine, topical treatments, exercise, and CBT also worth discussing. For specific medical next steps and a checklist to prepare for your visit and testing, see the complete guidance below.
References:
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32679549/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33969784/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29878201/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28987309/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38221873/
Q.
What could cause a sensation of something wrapped around the ankle?
A.
A feeling of something wrapped around the ankle could be caused by issues such as sensory neuropathy, acute compartment syndrome, or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
References:
van Deursen RW, & Simoneau GG. (1999). Foot and ankle sensory neuropathy, proprioception .... The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 10612069.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10612069/
Raad M, & Anugraha A. (2020). Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Leg Following Injury .... Journal of orthopaedic case reports, 33708715.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33708715/
Yan Y, Wang D, Kalia V, & Garvin G. (2024). MRI Findings of Bilateral Anterior Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, 39616513.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Baron R, Binder A, Wasner G. Neuropathic pain: diagnosis, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment. Lancet Neurol. 2010 Aug;9(8):807-19. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(10)70143-5. PMID: 20650402.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(10)70143-5/fulltextSt John Smith E. Advances in understanding nociception and neuropathic pain. J Neurol. 2018 Feb;265(2):231-238. doi: 10.1007/s00415-017-8641-6. Epub 2017 Oct 14. PMID: 29032407; PMCID: PMC5808094.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-017-8641-6Bouhassira D. Neuropathic pain: Definition, assessment and epidemiology. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2019 Jan-Feb;175(1-2):16-25. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2018.09.016. Epub 2018 Oct 29. PMID: 30385075.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0035378718308105?via%3DihubSzok D, Tajti J, Nyári A, Vécsei L. Therapeutic Approaches for Peripheral and Central Neuropathic Pain. Behav Neurol. 2019 Nov 21;2019:8685954. doi: 10.1155/2019/8685954. PMID: 31871494; PMCID: PMC6906810.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bn/2019/8685954/Gierthmühlen J, Baron R. Neuropathic Pain. Semin Neurol. 2016 Oct;36(5):462-468. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1584950. Epub 2016 Sep 23. PMID: 27704502.
https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0036-1584950Cohen SP, MaoJ, Neuropathic pain: mechanisms and their clinical implications BMJ 2014;348:g2323
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g2323Jensen, T. S., Baron, R., Haanpää, M., Kalso, E., Loeser, J. D., Rice, A. S. C., & Treede, R. D. (2011). A new definition of neuropathic pain. Pain, 152(10), 2204–2205.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2011.06.017Finnerup, N. B., Attal, N., Haroutounian, S., McNicol, E., Baron, R., Dworkin, R. H., ... & Wallace, M. (2015). Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Neurology, 14(2), 162-173.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70251-0