Symptoms, prevention and treatment of neuritis

Neuritis is a serious disease of the nerves, which is characterized not only by pain, but also by loss of sensation in the affected area and even paralysis. A patient may have one or several peripheral nerves affected. The first form of the disease is called mononeuritis. If several nerves are inflamed, it is polyneuritis. Polyneuritis most often occurs in a chronic form.

Symptoms of neuritis

The following symptoms are characteristic of any form of neuritis:

• Reduced sensitivity level. The person may feel a tingling sensation, often with pins and needles all over the body.
• Decreased physical activity. Often there is weakness in the muscles, they become flabby and lethargic. Over time, the muscles shrink and atrophy develops.
• The patient develops problems with blood vessels, and internal organs begin to function worse. External signs of such disorders are bluishness of the face, increased sweating, and the appearance of edema.

In addition, each organ has its own symptoms. For example, if the ulnar nerve is pinched, it is difficult for a person to form a fist because the little finger almost stops moving. The radial nerve is often affected as a result of long-term use of crutches, as well as during pregnancy or due to complications that arose after an infectious disease.

When the disease touches the brachial nerve, a person becomes limited in movement, severe pain symptoms appear, and the skin almost loses sensitivity.

Symptoms are especially severe with neuritis of the facial nerve. Since one part of a person’s face is practically immobilized, it becomes asymmetrical. The lips can barely move, the eyes cannot close, and the forehead cannot be wrinkled. Pain in the ear area may also occur.

In addition, the person usually experiences weakness and severe malaise. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Causes of neuritis

The development of neuritis can be caused by both external and internal causes. External factors include the following:

• intoxication of the body with medications, alcohol or food;
• compression of the nerve, for example, during work or during an unsuccessful turn;
• various injuries.

Internal causes are various diseases: obesity, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, endocrine disorders. Neuritis can also occur during pregnancy, as well as due to hereditary factors.

Another common cause is hypothermia. Those who like to ventilate the room for a long time or walk without a hat in cold weather risk developing neuritis more than others. It is especially dangerous if the neck area is exposed to hypothermia.

Treatment of neuritis

The symptoms of neuritis have many similarities with some other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or brain tumors. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, various diagnostic methods are used. For example, electroneurography may be prescribed. It helps to determine the extent of nerve damage and select the optimal course of therapy.

Neuritis is a disease that can be caused by both bacteria and viruses. Depending on the cause, the method of treatment is selected. If the disease is bacterial in nature, sulfonamides and antibiotics are usually prescribed. When the disease is caused by a virus, interferon or gamma globulin is prescribed.

In addition, physiotherapeutic methods are regularly used in complex treatment. To reduce pain and improve nerve generation, patients are prescribed procedures such as electrophoresis, UHF or pulsed current. Water and mud therapy, paraffin wraps and anything that helps alleviate the patient’s condition are also used. Massage and physical therapy play an important role in treatment.

Traditional medicine is often used to treat the disease. For example, there are a lot of good reviews about bear fat, which should be rubbed onto damaged areas. Horseradish leaves, clay compresses with vinegar, herbal tea and various medicinal infusions also help. For example, you can make a healing mixture from several components: fireweed tea, raspberry leaves and lingonberries.

As for prognosis, usually in young patients the body regenerates well and neuritis can be cured. If the patient is an elderly person and has concomitant diseases, for example, diabetes, much depends on the characteristics of the body. It happens that some patients experience muscle paralysis, especially if the therapy was chosen incorrectly.

Since it is easier to prevent a disease than to cure it, special attention should be paid to the prevention of neuritis. You need to dress warmly in cold weather to avoid injuries and infections. It is necessary to get vaccinations on time, pay more attention to oral hygiene and take care of the condition of your teeth.

Preventive measures also include diet. To protect yourself from this dangerous disease or prevent a relapse, you need to include foods rich in vitamins in your diet. In winter, when there is a deficiency, you can take specially selected vitamin complexes.

Neuritis is a serious disease, so it is important to detect it as quickly as possible and begin treatment. If the course of therapy is chosen correctly, in most cases everything ends well.