Nerve inflammation, or neuritis, represented a long ordeal for patients just a few years ago, because in the vast majority of cases of those affected there were no visible physical impairments. It was not until the development of modern medical devices that neuritis could also be clearly diagnosed.
What is neuritis?
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of a nerve cell. Click to enlarge. Nerve inflammation, also known as neuritis in medical terminology, sometimes specifically affects individual regions of the body, such as the extremities, head or trunk, or can affect the entire body. Neuritis is particularly distressing when it has manifested itself on the face. In the case of nerve inflammation, inflammatory processes occur on the peripheral nerves or on a so-called cranial nerve. In addition, the term nerve inflammation also applies to destruction of organs or nerves, symptoms of poisoning and pathological changes caused by an accident. Depending on the number of nerves involved in nerve inflammation, polyneuropathy (poly=many) and polyneuritis are distinguished.
Causes
Nerve inflammation can be triggered and promoted by divergent causes. The main causes contributing to nerve inflammation include damage to autonomic and peripheral nerves. These dysfunctions or irritations are caused by toxins from the environment as well as toxins from the body’s own metabolism and addictive substances. In addition, nerve inflammation is a typical concomitant of multiple sclerosis. In addition, undersupply of the organism with minerals and vitamins leads to nerve inflammation. Injuries to the nerves or the interruption of their normal anatomical course, deep wounds or after-effects of complex operations can also result in nerve inflammation. If mechanical pressure is permanently and permanently exerted on certain nerve areas due to incorrect posture or overloading, then this overstimulation of the nerves can manifest itself as local nerve inflammation. Various viruses and psychological overuse can also trigger nerve inflammation.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Nerve inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on its extent. These range from mild discomfort to severe dysfunction of important areas of the body. A tingling sensation in certain parts of the body is considered a typical symptom of possible nerve inflammation. In a pronounced form, affected persons often state the comparison with an ant tingling sensation. A sensory disturbance such as an unnatural sensation of warmth or cold is also included. Another sign of neuritis can be numbness. Similarly, unexplained feelings of tightness or pressure may occur. In many cases, an electrifying sensation is circumscribed. In addition, muscle twitching, which may be noticeable, may be a sign of nerve inflammation. The condition may also be manifested by effects on fine motor skills, such as when dropping objects frequently. Complaints that indicate nerve inflammation include circulatory problems and excessive sweating. Pain usually sets in and can be more severe. Unpleasant sensations such as stinging, tearing and burning can affect the sufferer. Complaints for neuritis may also include dizziness and muscle weakness. Muscle weakness may present itself as a clue to impending paralysis. In severe cases, dysfunction of body organs may also occur and cause vegetative deficits. Movement restrictions as well as a general hypersensitivity are likewise among the occurring complaints in the case of a nerve inflammation.
Course of the disease
Nerve inflammation always progresses differently depending on the affected nerve regions. Nevertheless, the courses are always characterized by pain, which leads to a massive restriction of mobility and well-being. The first signs that can announce an inflammation of the nerves are local insensations, which, however, can also occur on several nerves at the same time.Those affected by nerve inflammation often suffer from a tingling sensation, twitching of the nerves occurs and the nerve areas become numb. Often, the involved body parts are also cool. Depending on the type of inflamed nerve, paralysis occurs in addition to the paraesthesia and disturbances of sensibility. In this context, the paralysis symptoms are not always expected in nerve inflammation, but are classic for polyneuropathy or multiple sclerosis.
Complications
Nerve inflammation or neuritis can result in a wide variety of complications. They usually affect those parts of the body that are supplied by the inflamed nerve. A frequent consequence of neuritis is the undersupply of organs. This in turn causes functional impairments or even failures of the affected organs. If nerves that supply the skin are affected, sensory disturbances often appear in the affected areas. In addition, the skin may experience insensations or tingling. It is not uncommon for neuritis to spread to other parts of the body. In extreme cases, the damage to the nerves can no longer be reversed. Likewise, the death of the nerve is within the realm of possibility. In the case of dental inflammation, we are then talking about a “dead tooth“, which requires root canal treatment. In the worst case, the inflamed tooth is lost. Nerve inflammations sometimes also affect the behavior of the affected person. The sufferer may behave both sadly and aggressively. Social relationships are often negatively affected as a result. A serious complication is the occurrence of severe pain throughout the body. Furthermore, there is a risk of circulatory disorders, which sometimes even lead to life-threatening conditions. Among the most serious consequences of neuritis are strokes and heart attacks. Furthermore, paralysis is possible due to neuritis. Without proper medical treatment, there is a risk of permanent paralysis.
When should you see a doctor?
A visit to the doctor is advisable if the affected person suffers from physical impairments. A doctor should always be consulted if the discomfort is sudden, persistent or increasing. A doctor should be consulted in case of physical complaints such as sensory disturbances on the skin, a feeling of numbness or hypersensitivity. If pain, disturbances of mobility or restrictions of movement occur, a doctor is needed. A nerve inflammation triggers an undersupply of the organs or other areas of the organism. The general functioning or thinking processes are restricted. A doctor should be consulted as soon as there are disturbances of individual systems. Concentration and attention deficits, a decrease in physical as well as emotional resilience, overreactions as well as disorders of the sensory organs must be clarified. An inner restlessness, irritability or inability to complete everyday duties should be presented to a doctor. Without medical care, the suffering pressure increases and the well-being decreases drastically. If the inflammation spreads continuously through the body, a physician is needed.
Treatment and therapy
In the case of neuritis, a primary therapy is carried out from the point of view of orthodox medicine. This is chosen depending on the causal relationships. In addition to special drugs such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers are also used. If the patient’s condition does not improve, then the medicinal measures for nerve inflammation are combined with a so-called pain therapeutic treatment. This is especially appropriate if it is the chronic form of neuritis. In addition, psychotropic drugs, local anesthesia of the pain, physiotherapeutic exercises are used in the presence or onset of paralysis, as well as treatments with stimulation current. Often, nerve inflammation can also be treated with alternative methods, which include acupuncture. Since nerve inflammation can have not only physical but also psychological causes, psychological methods for the therapy of nerve inflammation are often helpful in complex with other therapeutic measures.When patients suffer from nerve inflammation due to metabolic disease, diet is a suitable causal therapy. Blocking the nerve can alleviate or cure nerve inflammation as a final therapeutic option.
Outlook and prognosis
The continued evolution of nerve inflammation is favorable in most patients. Drug therapy supports the healing process and often results in freedom from symptoms within a few days or weeks. The active ingredients of the drugs fight the causative pathogens and support the body’s own immune system in its work. Existing bacteria or germs die off and are subsequently removed from the organism on their own. In parallel, there is a gradual improvement in the general state of health until recovery occurs. Without medical care, the prognosis may worsen. The pathogens present can spread in the organism and lead to an increase in the existing health irregularities, especially in people with a weakened immune system. In particularly severe cases, a life-threatening condition is imminent. Patients at risk include children, the elderly, or patients with severe underlying diseases. In them, the prognosis is potentially worse. In the case of an underlying mental illness, the prospect of recovery is also lowered. The reasons for the mental condition must be found and treated so that relief from the health irregularities can occur. In most cases, long-term therapy is necessary to achieve an improvement in health. In addition, the further course is shaped depending on the cooperation of the patient.
Prevention
Nerve inflammation can be prevented both with modern and highly effective, well-tolerated medications and with changes in one’s lifestyle. Bad posture, overloading of the nerves through monotonous and permanently one-sided activities, too much stress, too little relaxation and physical exercise can already promote nerve inflammation in the long term. A balanced and healthy diet is also a good prophylaxis against neuritis. If neuralgia persists over a longer period of time, further treatment is necessary. While neuralgia generally causes temporary pain, neuritis often develops permanent pain conditions. In the case of a chronic course, symptoms such as circulatory disturbances, muscle weakness, movement restrictions or functional disturbances of organs are treated with medication and pain therapy during follow-up care. With the involvement of various specialist disciplines, intensive aftercare can significantly improve healing results. In addition to medical treatment, multimodal concepts also include individually adapted procedures such as exercise therapy, mobilizing massages or physiotherapeutic strengthening exercises. As in therapy, the primary care physician is the key contact person in the follow-up treatment of neuritis.
Aftercare
Follow-up care for nerve inflammation may also include psychological-behavioral measures, because the psyche is also involved in persistent pain. In pain therapy, for example, pain-increasing habits can be identified and replaced with health-promoting behaviors. Special patient training courses support those affected with concrete advice on relaxation exercises that prevent inflammatory processes. To achieve freedom from symptoms or relief from neuralgia and neuritis, the doctor or therapist may also recommend accompanying therapies such as acupuncture as part of the follow-up treatment. Regular visits to the doctor can help detect and treat secondary symptoms at an early stage. Follow-up care adapted to the form of nerve inflammation aims to guide the patient to self-help measures. To counteract oxidative stress, for example, an anti-inflammatory diet can be supportive.
What you can do yourself
What self-help measures patients can take for nerve inflammation also depends on what form the disorder has taken and what symptoms are present. If a polyneuropathy is present that is accompanied by diffuse pain all over the body, the first thing that is usually done in allopathy is to administer painkillers as well as antibiotics. In naturopathy, willow bark and preparations based on it are recommended for acute or chronic nerve pain.Willow bark contains acetylsalicylic acid, the same active ingredient as many conventional painkillers. However, willow bark and vine bark preparations are considered gentler and better tolerated. In particular, stomach irritation is said to occur less frequently. Willow bark can be drunk as a tea. In addition, however, tablets and drops based on willow bark are now also available in pharmacies and health food stores. In the treatment of local nerve inflammation, patients often report an improvement through acupuncture. For many sufferers, heat or cold applications also bring some relief. Gel compresses, which can either be heated in hot water or cooled in the icebox, are suitable for this purpose. In the case of neuritis, cold compresses are generally preferable, but it is only possible to clarify which individual responds better by first applying both methods. If the neuritis is accompanied by paralysis, it is important that the patient begins in time with physiotherapy to maintain the mobility of the affected parts of the body and recover as completely as possible.
