Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition resulting from injury or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system. Unlike nociceptive pain, which arises from tissue damage, neuropathic pain originates from abnormal neural signaling and is often persistent, severe, and difficult to treat. It may affect peripheral nerves, nerve roots, spinal cord pathways, or central pain processing networks.

Patients describe neuropathic pain as burning, electric, stabbing, or shooting in quality, often accompanied by sensory disturbances such as numbness, tingling, allodynia, or hyperalgesia. Symptoms may occur spontaneously or be triggered by minimal stimuli. Neuropathic pain frequently coexists with sleep disturbance, mood disorders, and functional impairment.

Neurological evaluation focuses on identifying the anatomical level and underlying cause of nerve dysfunction. Common etiologies include diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, radiculopathy, spinal cord injury, stroke, and nerve trauma. Clinical examination assesses sensory abnormalities, reflex changes, and motor involvement. Ancillary testing may support diagnosis but is not always definitive.

Management of neuropathic pain requires a structured, mechanism-based approach. Standard analgesics are often ineffective, necessitating medications that modulate neural transmission. Treatment selection is individualized based on pain characteristics, comorbidities, and tolerability. Long-term follow-up is essential to optimize pain control and minimize adverse effects.

Non-pharmacological strategies, including patient education, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support, are integral to comprehensive care. Early recognition and treatment improve outcomes and reduce chronic disability.

Neuropathic pain represents a complex neurological syndrome requiring sustained, specialist-led management to improve function and quality of life.