Erythromelalgia
(Redirected from Red neuralgia)
Erythromelalgia[edit | edit source]
Erythromelalgia, formerly known as Mitchell's disease (named after Silas Weir Mitchell), is a rare vascular peripheral pain disorder. This condition leads to the episodic blocking of blood vessels, typically in the lower extremities or hands, which subsequently become inflamed and hyperemic.
Definition[edit | edit source]
Erythromelalgia is a disorder characterized by:
- Intense burning pain.
- Redness (erythema).
- Increased temperature in the affected areas.
- Episodes of symptom exacerbation and relief.
History[edit | edit source]
The condition was first described by Dr. Silas Weir Mitchell in the 19th century, hence the former name Mitchell's disease.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of erythromelalgia remains unclear, but it is believed to result from:
- Abnormalities in the normal vasomotor responses or functioning of the blood vessels.
- Possible genetic mutations in some cases.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Main symptoms include:
- Intense burning or throbbing pain.
- Swelling or inflammation of the affected region.
- Increased warmth and redness in the affected areas.
- Episodes that may last from minutes to hours or even longer.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on:
- Detailed medical history.
- Physical examination.
- Exclusion of other conditions.
In some cases, a skin biopsy or other tests might be performed to rule out other disorders.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
There is no definitive cure for erythromelalgia, but treatments aim to relieve symptoms. Common approaches include:
- Cooling the affected area.
- Avoiding triggers such as heat or specific activities.
- Pain relievers like NSAIDs or aspirin.
- Topical creams or patches.
- Certain anticonvulsants or antidepressants.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Erythromelalgia is a rare condition, with a variable reported incidence. It can affect people of all ages but may be more common in certain age groups.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Footnotes[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| External resources |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
