TL;DR Quick answer
Burning, shooting or electric pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nerves. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as medication management, nerve block and spinal cord stimulation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain comes from the nervous system itself rather than from injured tissue. It often feels different from other pain and may need specific medicines.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Burning, shooting or electric-shock sensations; pain from light touch (allodynia); numbness alongside pain |
| Common causes | Diabetic neuropathy; shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia); nerve injury after trauma or surgery |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on the history and an examination of sensation. |
| When to get help | See a doctor if you notice new numbness or weakness, or if pain stops you sleeping or carrying out daily tasks |
| Treatment options | Medication Management, Nerve Block, Spinal Cord Stimulation |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Burning, shooting or electric-shock sensations
- Pain from light touch (allodynia)
- Numbness alongside pain
- Symptoms that are worse at night
Causes
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia)
- Nerve injury after trauma or surgery
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Nerve compression in the spine
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on the history and an examination of sensation. Nerve conduction studies may be requested.
Treatment options
Treatment often starts with medicines that calm overactive nerves, combined with physical and psychological approaches. Nerve blocks may be considered for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor if you notice new numbness or weakness, or if pain stops you sleeping or carrying out daily tasks.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication Management | Treatment | A careful review of pain medicines to improve relief and reduce side effects. | Ongoing / varies |
| Nerve Block | Procedure | An injection of local anaesthetic near a specific nerve to diagnose or relieve pain. | 10–30 minutes |
| Spinal Cord Stimulation | Procedure | An implanted device that uses mild electrical pulses to reduce long-term nerve pain. | Ongoing / varies |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
