Evaluating Pelvic Pain Caused By Peripheral Nerve Injury

Pelvic peripheral neuralgias may be a cause of pain in 6% of women with chronic pelvic pain. This type of pain is neuropathic and typically follows the distribution of specific peripheral nerves. Common causes of neuropathic pain include trauma and visceral pathology, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by performing selective peripheral nerve blocks. Treatment options include medication, nerve blocks, nerve ablation, and surgical resection or decompression. The objectives of this lecture are to enable providers to recognize peripheral neuropathic pelvic pain, identify the affected peripheral nerve based on the distribution of the pain, and develop strategies for conservative and surgical management. (Recorded at PAINWeek 2018)