neuralgia

noun

neu·​ral·​gia nu̇-ˈral-jə  nyu̇- 

: acute paroxysmal pain radiating along the course of one or more nerves usually without demonstrable changes in the nerve structure

neuralgic

nu̇-ˈral-jik 

nyu̇-

adjective

Examples of neuralgia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The drug worked best for postherpetic neuralgia; evidence for other types of neuropathic pain was very limited. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

Although there are many causes of neuropathic pain, it’s commonly associated with specific conditions, including diabetes (peripheral neuropathy), chemotherapy, and shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). —New Atlas, 22 Apr. 2025

The virus can also cause other complications during an outbreak, such as postherpetic neuralgia. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Shingles can lead to long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) and other complications, but vaccination significantly reduces these risks. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

neur- + -algia, probably after French névralgie

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing neuralgia

• trigeminal neuralgia

Kids Definition

neuralgia

noun

neu·​ral·​gia n(y)u̇-ˈral-jə 

: 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 

: acute paroxysmal pain radiating along the course of one or more nerves usually without demonstrable changes in the nerve structure compare neuritis

neuralgic

-jik 

adjective