Introduction
An inflammation of the nerves – in medical circles one speaks of neuritis – can manifest itself in many ways. Minor sensations of discomfort can occur, but also complete loss of function is possible in cases of severe inflammatory processes. Therefore, neuritis is not always easy to diagnose.
The inflammation of the nerves is accompanied by pain. These can be so pronounced that those affected are severely restricted in their everyday life. In principle, any nerve in the body can be affected by an inflammation.
Overview of possible symptoms
The spectrum of symptoms of nerve inflammation is very wide. A frequent symptom, even in the case of only slight inflammation, is tingling sensation. They are described by patients as formication.
Other sensations, such as numbness or sensory disturbances regarding the sensation of temperature, are possible. Unpleasant sensations, such as electrical or pressure sensations, can also be perceived. In addition to the sensory disturbances, symptoms also occur in the muscles when nerves are inflamed which supply the muscles.
On the one hand, uncontrollable muscle twitches occur. On the other hand, muscle weaknesses are also possible. These can be the first sign of the development of paralysis.
Other possible complaints can be circulatory disorders and abnormal sweat secretion. But also a general hypersensitivity can occur in the context of an inflammation of the nerves. In addition to the symptoms described, pain usually occurs.
These can be very strong and can affect the affected persons in their everyday life. In multiple sclerosis, inflammation occurs at various locations in the central nervous system. Therefore, failures occur in different parts of the body.
Since the causes and symptoms of nerve inflammation are very diverse, a precise clarification should always be obtained from a doctor. When numbness occurs, sensitive nerves are affected by the inflammation. These send the brain information about touches on the skin.
Frequently, before a complete numbness occurs, there are other sensations. Polyneuropathy is a widespread disease that causes numbness in the legs. In this case, the small nerve endings in the feet go under.
Polyneuropathy occurs, for example, as part of diabetes mellitus or in alcoholics. Tingling sensations are a widespread and typical symptom of nerve inflammation. However, it also occurs in other nervous disorders.
If it is severe, it is described by those affected as formication. In addition to the tingling sensations, other sensory disorders also occur, such as feelings of pressure, electrical sensations, pulling, warm or cold sensations. Sensory disturbances occur because the inflammatory process irritates the affected nerves and leads to disturbed stimulus transmission.
Also interesting: tingling sensation when a disc is herniatedPain from an inflammation of the nerves is very common and can cause great suffering. The pain can take on different characters. It can be a burning pain that shoots up again and again.
These are typical nerve pains. The described painful impulses can be triggered by various movements and thus severely restrict the person affected in everyday life. But also slight permanent pain in the affected area is possible.
Painful sensations can also occur. The character of the pain can also change in the course of the disease. Due to the fact that the pain emanates from the nerve fibers themselves, there is an increased risk that the pain will become chronic.
This means that the pain or discomfort is still felt even after the inflammation has healed. The treatment of chronic pain is unfortunately very difficult. Unfortunately, normal painkillers, the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, often do not help successfully against nerve pain.
Other painkillers must be used to relieve the pain. Possibilities are psychotropic drugs or a local anaesthetic with a local anaesthetic. Successful pain relief is very important because this is the best way to prevent pain chronicity.
Muscle weakness occurs when the inflammation affects motor nerve fibers – nerves that supply the muscles. Muscle weakness can be pronounced to varying degrees. Under certain circumstances, the ability to move and thus to cope with everyday life can be severely restricted.
In severe cases, it can lead to complete paralysis of the affected muscles.However, this may not be reversible.
- Muscular weakness
- Muscle weakness in the legs
Paralysis can be temporary or permanent if the entire nerve is destroyed during the inflammation. This is for example the case with multiple sclerosis.
In multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the central nervous system occurs again and again because the body attacks its own nerve sheaths. Although the nerves often regenerate at the beginning of the disease, in the course of the disease the nerves are then partially damaged completely. For this reason, many affected persons are dependent on a wheelchair in later stages. In cases of paralysis, quick action should be taken to prevent complete destruction of the nerve and thus avert permanent paralysis.
- Paraplegia
- Symptoms of paraplegia
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