neuralgia

noun

neu·​ral·​gia nu̇-ˈral-jə How to pronounce neuralgia (audio) nyu̇- How to pronounce neuralgia (audio)
: acute paroxysmal pain radiating along the course of one or more nerves usually without demonstrable changes in the nerve structure
neuralgic adjective

Examples of neuralgia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Generally, this group is less likely to get post-herpetic neuralgia, which, for Auwaerter, is among the most worrisome complications of the disease. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2024 The vaccine also lowers your risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia, or chronic shingles pain. Alex Vance, Fortune Well, 26 Apr. 2023 Trigeminal neuralgia is also found in older patients and is slightly more prevalent in women. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2022 Trigeminal neuralgia is a type of nerve pain that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation and movement. The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 May 2022 The risk of complicated shingles continues to increase with older age, meaning that older people are more likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia, which is a terrible and life-altering pain syndrome that may develop after a case of shingles. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 3 Nov. 2021 Unfortunately, postherpetic neuralgia can last a very long time -- for people over 65 with persistent, active PHN, the average duration of symptoms was about three and a half years. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 16 Sep. 2021 Trigeminal neuralgia is a pain syndrome involving the trigeminal nerve, which provides the sensation to the face in three bands, called divisions of the nerve: the eye and scalp, upper jaw and nose, and lower jaw and ear. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 16 Aug. 2021 This long-lasting pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Julie Washington, cleveland, 15 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neuralgia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

neur- + -algia, probably after French névralgie

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuralgia was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near neuralgia

Cite this Entry

“Neuralgia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuralgia. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

neuralgia

noun
neu·​ral·​gia n(y)u̇-ˈral-jə How to pronounce neuralgia (audio)
: pain that follows the course of a nerve
also : a condition marked by such pain

Medical Definition

neuralgia

noun
neu·​ral·​gia n(y)u̇-ˈral-jə How to pronounce neuralgia (audio)
: acute paroxysmal pain radiating along the course of one or more nerves usually without demonstrable changes in the nerve structure compare neuritis
neuralgic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on neuralgia

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