Symptoms
An inflammation of the nerves can lead to functional failure of the respective nerve. Afferent functions (conduction of excitation from the periphery to the central nervous system) such as the sensation of touch, temperature, vibration and pain and sensory perceptions such as the sense of taste, hearing, smell and balance may be disturbed. This loss of function manifests itself in sensory disturbances (paresthesias) such as “tingling”, “furry” or “electrifying sensation”, reduced or cancelled sensitivity to pain, loss of vibration perception or reduced sensitivity to temperature perception.
If the efferent functions (conduction of CNS signals to the periphery) are restricted, e.g. motor nerve fibres leading to the skeletal muscles no longer function properly. Symptoms are muscle weakness or paralysis. If the vegetative/autonomic nervous system is affected, the transmission of information from the organs to the CNS is disturbed (pain sensation, chemical and mechanical stimuli), as is the regulation of smooth muscles (for example in the digestive tract or blood vessels), glands and heart muscles.
Typical symptoms of autonomic nervous system disorders are blood pressure regulation disorders, heart complaints or constipation. The pain caused by nerve inflammation is described by most people as burning, stinging or tearing, often accompanied by a tingling sensation. An electrifying character of the pain is also sometimes reported.
Often the pain decreases with physical activity and increases at rest, which is a good way of distinguishing it from orthopedic causes of pain in the musculoskeletal system (e.g. joint arthrosis). Many patients benefit in terms of pain from heat and cold treatments and physiotherapy.