What condition is characterized by severe, sharp pain along the course of a nerve?

The condition characterized by severe, sharp pain along the course of a nerve is neuralgia. This term specifically refers to pain that arises from irritation or damage to a nerve and follows the path of that nerve, often resulting in intense, shooting pain.

Neuralgia can occur in various locations depending on which nerve is affected and is often described as sharp, stabbing, or burning, and can be triggered by specific activities or sensations. This distinct quality of pain is what differentiates neuralgia from other nerve-related conditions.

In contrast, neuropathy refers to general nerve damage that may lead to weakness, numbness, or pain but doesn't always present with sharp, severe pain. Neuritis is inflammation of a nerve, which can cause pain but may also involve other sensory disturbances. Radiculopathy involves pain that radiates along the path of a nerve root but is specifically due to compression or irritation, particularly from a herniated disc or spinal issues, and may not necessarily be characterized by the sharp, severe pain associated with neuralgia.