Post surgical pain: Possible neuralgia post shunt revision

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have a surgical scar on my head from a shunt revision and I've been having sudden stabbing pain shooting through it. What could cause this and is there a way to stop it?

Dear Eric: It is possible that after the shunt revision, the nerve that carries sensation to the part of the head that you mentioned was accidentally touched and now the damaged fibers aren't able to send messages from your skin to your brain as they normally do. Instead, the messages become confused and exaggerated, causing stabbing pain, this may last for weeks or months depending on the rate of regeneration of the affected nerve. The treatments are diverse:  lidocaine skin patches , these are small, bandage-like patches that contain the topical, pain-relieving medication lidocaine. These patches can be cut to fit only the affected area. You apply the patches, available by prescription, directly to painful skin to deliver temporary relief. Antidepressants such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline affect key brain chemicals that play a role in both depression and how your body interprets pain. Doctors typically prescribe antidepressants for neuralgia in smaller doses than they do for depression. Some people may need prescription-strength pain medications containing tramadol (Ultram, Ryzolt), oxycodone (Percocet) or morphine. However, these drugs can be addictive. Although this risk is generally low, discuss it with your doctor. Capsaicin cream, made from the seeds of hot chili peppers, may relieve pain from neuralgia. Capsaicin cream can be very irritating if rubbed on unaffected parts of your body, such as in your eyes. Follow the application instructions carefully, including wearing gloves for application and washing your hands thoroughly after applying.