Nerve Pain/Neuropathic Pain/Peripheral Neuropathy Pain in Beverly Hills

Neuropathic pain is different from inflammatory pain in that it’s caused by the abnormal activity of nerves. The pain does not usually originate from the local area, but from somewhere along the course of the nerve supplying that area. If the pain originates from damage or dysfunction of the central nervous system (spinal cord or brain), it is classified as central neuropathic pain. If it originates from damage to the nerve pathways at other points, it is classified as peripheral neuropathy.

Although neuropathic pain is considered a chronic condition, the pain can often be reduced and controlled when managed by a skilled specialist. We provide a combination of treatments that may include injections, medications, nerve stimulation or neuromodulation.

Causes of Neuropathic Pain

The nerve dysfunction or injury may be due to:

  • Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or renal failure
  • Viral infection such as HIV or Herpes Zoster (Postherpetic Neuralgia)
  • Trauma such as surgery, amputation, and other injuries
  • Toxicity caused by alcohol, cytotoxic drugs, or statins
  • Malignancies such as tumor infiltration and cancer treatments (radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Benign tumors
  • Radiculopathy or sciatic pain (sciatica) caused by a pinched or squeezed nerve in the lower back and leg region
  • A compressed nerve in one of several areas throughout the body leading to conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Vascular Irritation or compression of a nerve as occurs in trigeminal neuralgia
  • Bone marrow disorders
  • Vitamin deficiencies

Diagnosis of Neuropathic Pain

At Ghatan Orthopedic Pain Institute, we provide comprehensive consultations and assessments to identify the cause of your pain. Patients with nerve pain suffer from symptoms on various spectrums:

  • The frequency of pain can be continuous, spontaneous, intermittent, evoked, or superficial
  • The type of pain may be sharp, burning, shooting, itching, lancinating, pins and needles, or may be indescribable
  • The painful area may have a burning sensation akin to an electric shock and may be sensitive to touch
  • Some report skin color changes in the painful area

Depending on your particular situation, laboratory tests, neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and other tests/tools may be recommended.

Treatment of Neuropathic Pain

There are guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment for many neuropathic pain conditions. The first step in treatment is to target the underlying medical problem in order to reduce or stop further damage to the nervous system. After treating the underlying condition, subsequent treatments focus on reducing any ongoing symptoms such as the neuropathic pain. Over-the-counter medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to provide relief. In some cases, patches, pain creams, and injections can also provide pain relief.

In the event that medications cause intolerable side effects or are ineffective, your doctor may consider neuromodulation therapy using peripheral nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation to reduce pain. People often refer to this treatment as the “Pain Pacemaker” as it uses highly advanced electrical stimulation to turn the volume down on the pain.

Our diagnostic and treatment plans are always individualized based upon each person’s unique situation and symptoms. Schedule your consultation to learn more about treatments for neuropathic pain for your specific case.