The examination methods of intercostal neuralgia mainly focus on the etiology of the disease, and the examination modalities include herpes base scrape smear, X-ray, CT, MRI examination, antigen and antibody detection, etc.
1. For patients suspected of herpes zoster, smear of herpes base scraping material is performed to look for multinucleated giant cells and intranuclear inclusion bodies to assist in diagnosis.
2. For patients suspected of herniated disc, X-ray, CT and MRI are required.
3. For suspected rheumatoid immune disease, antigen-antibody test is needed.
The diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia is firstly based on the characteristics of the pain and the distribution of the pain. If the pain is pin-prick-like, from the thoracic back along the intercostal space to the midline band area of the anterior thoracic and abdominal wall, intercostal neuralgia is generally considered, and intercostal neuralgia can be generally seen in the Department of Neurology.
There are many causes of intercostal neuralgia, and it is important to consider intercostal neuralgia caused by disc herniation, tuberculosis, tumor, or intercostal neuralgia caused by osteoporotic compression fracture and initial herpes zoster in the elderly. If any of the above manifestations occur, please seek medical attention promptly.