neuralgia

American  

[noo-ral-juh, nyoo-] / nʊˈræl dʒə, nyʊ- /

noun

Pathology.

1. sharp and paroxysmal pain along the course of a nerve.

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neuralgia British  

/ njʊˈrældʒɪə /

noun

1. severe spasmodic pain caused by damage to or malfunctioning of a nerve and often following the course of the nerve

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Other Word Forms

• antineuralgic adjective
• neuralgic adjective
• postneuralgic adjective
• preneuralgic adjective
• unneuralgic adjective

Etymology

Origin of neuralgia

First recorded in 1815–25; neur- + -algia

Example Sentences

Vaccination, which has typically been recommended for older adults, reduces the likelihood of shingles and lowers the risk of postherpetic neuralgia, or long-term nerve pain that can persist after the rash clears.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

The FDA approved it in 2002 for post-herpetic neuralgia, or nerve pain after shingles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

She said that she was also diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia earlier in the year.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare chronic pain disorder that affects nerves in the head and face, resulting in severe and sudden pain, according to the National Institutes of Health.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2023

“I am still tortured a good deal with neuralgia and toothache,” Olmsted wrote, “and I am tired and have a growing dread of worry & anxiety.”

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson