What you may feel
- Burning, electric-shock-like or shooting pain in one or more areas.
- Tingling, pins and needles or areas of numbness.
- Clothing or a light touch may feel unexpectedly painful.
- Pain may be constant or episodic, including at rest.
- Altered sensations may disturb sleep or everyday activities.
How it is assessed
Assessment considers sensation, strength, pain distribution and injury or illness history. Nerve conduction testing or further investigations may sometimes be needed.
Identify the precise areas of pain and numbness and describe the effect of touch. Bring details of other conditions, medicines and previous procedures.
Approaches to care
Care may include management of the cause, medication suited to neuropathic pain, rehabilitation and selected procedures. Burning pain alone does not confirm the diagnosis.
Discuss how pain affects sleep, work and movement. At follow-up, report changes in sensation and strength as well as pain intensity.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden or rapidly increasing weakness, abrupt loss of sensation or new bladder or bowel problems need immediate assessment.
Further reading: Cleveland Clinic
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.