Neuritis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Neuritis
| image          = [[File:Diseases_of_the_nervous_system_(1910)_(14586524238).jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Illustration of neuritis from a 1910 medical text
| field          = [[Neurology]]
| symptoms        = [[Pain]], [[paresthesia]], [[muscle weakness]], [[numbness]]
| complications  = [[Chronic pain]], [[muscle atrophy]], [[loss of function]]
| onset          = Varies depending on cause
| duration        = Can be acute or chronic
| causes          = [[Infection]], [[autoimmune disease]], [[trauma]], [[toxins]]
| risks          = [[Diabetes]], [[alcoholism]], [[vitamin deficiency]]
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical examination]], [[nerve conduction study]], [[electromyography]]
| differential    = [[Neuropathy]], [[radiculopathy]], [[myopathy]]
| treatment      = [[Pain management]], [[physical therapy]], [[anti-inflammatory medication]]
| medication      = [[NSAIDs]], [[corticosteroids]], [[anticonvulsants]]
| prognosis      = Varies; depends on underlying cause and treatment
| frequency      = Common
}}
{{Short description|Inflammation of a nerve or the general inflammation of the peripheral nervous system}}
{{Short description|Inflammation of a nerve or the general inflammation of the peripheral nervous system}}
'''Neuritis''' is a condition characterized by the inflammation of a [[nerve]] or the general inflammation of the [[peripheral nervous system]]. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, loss of function, and abnormal sensations. Neuritis can affect a single nerve or multiple nerves and can be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and autoimmune diseases.
'''Neuritis''' is a condition characterized by the inflammation of a [[nerve]] or the general inflammation of the [[peripheral nervous system]]. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, loss of function, and abnormal sensations. Neuritis can affect a single nerve or multiple nerves and can be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and autoimmune diseases.
==Types of Neuritis==
==Types of Neuritis==
Neuritis can be classified into different types based on the nerves affected and the underlying causes.
Neuritis can be classified into different types based on the nerves affected and the underlying causes.
===Optic Neuritis===
===Optic Neuritis===
[[Optic neuritis]] is the inflammation of the [[optic nerve]], which can lead to sudden vision loss and pain in the eye. It is often associated with [[multiple sclerosis]] and can be an early sign of the disease.
[[Optic neuritis]] is the inflammation of the [[optic nerve]], which can lead to sudden vision loss and pain in the eye. It is often associated with [[multiple sclerosis]] and can be an early sign of the disease.
===Peripheral Neuritis===
===Peripheral Neuritis===
Peripheral neuritis, also known as [[peripheral neuropathy]], involves the inflammation of the peripheral nerves. This can result in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, primarily in the hands and feet.
Peripheral neuritis, also known as [[peripheral neuropathy]], involves the inflammation of the peripheral nerves. This can result in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, primarily in the hands and feet.
===Brachial Neuritis===
===Brachial Neuritis===
[[Brachial neuritis]] affects the [[brachial plexus]], a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. This condition can cause sudden shoulder pain and weakness.
[[Brachial neuritis]] affects the [[brachial plexus]], a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. This condition can cause sudden shoulder pain and weakness.
===Vestibular Neuritis===
===Vestibular Neuritis===
[[Vestibular neuritis]] is the inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance. This condition can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.
[[Vestibular neuritis]] is the inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance. This condition can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.
==Causes==
==Causes==
Neuritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Neuritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* [[Infections]]: Viral infections such as [[herpes zoster]] and [[HIV]] can lead to neuritis.
* [[Infections]]: Viral infections such as [[herpes zoster]] and [[HIV]] can lead to neuritis.
* [[Autoimmune diseases]]: Conditions like [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]] and [[lupus]] can cause the immune system to attack the nerves.
* [[Autoimmune diseases]]: Conditions like [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]] and [[lupus]] can cause the immune system to attack the nerves.
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* [[Toxins]]: Exposure to certain toxins, including alcohol and heavy metals, can damage nerves.
* [[Toxins]]: Exposure to certain toxins, including alcohol and heavy metals, can damage nerves.
* [[Nutritional deficiencies]]: Lack of vitamins such as [[vitamin B12]] can lead to nerve damage.
* [[Nutritional deficiencies]]: Lack of vitamins such as [[vitamin B12]] can lead to nerve damage.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The symptoms of neuritis vary depending on the nerves affected but may include:
The symptoms of neuritis vary depending on the nerves affected but may include:
* Pain and tenderness along the course of a nerve
* Pain and tenderness along the course of a nerve
* Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation
* Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation
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* Muscle weakness or paralysis
* Muscle weakness or paralysis
* Abnormal reflexes
* Abnormal reflexes
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosing neuritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and order tests such as:
Diagnosing neuritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and order tests such as:
* [[Electromyography]] (EMG) and [[nerve conduction studies]] to assess nerve function
* [[Electromyography]] (EMG) and [[nerve conduction studies]] to assess nerve function
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) to visualize nerve inflammation
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) to visualize nerve inflammation
* Blood tests to identify underlying causes such as infections or autoimmune disorders
* Blood tests to identify underlying causes such as infections or autoimmune disorders
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The treatment of neuritis depends on the underlying cause and may include:
The treatment of neuritis depends on the underlying cause and may include:
* [[Medications]]: Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain.
* [[Medications]]: Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain.
* [[Physical therapy]]: Exercises and therapies to improve muscle strength and coordination.
* [[Physical therapy]]: Exercises and therapies to improve muscle strength and coordination.
* [[Surgery]]: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure on a nerve.
* [[Surgery]]: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure on a nerve.
* [[Lifestyle modifications]]: Avoiding alcohol and managing underlying conditions such as diabetes can help prevent further nerve damage.
* [[Lifestyle modifications]]: Avoiding alcohol and managing underlying conditions such as diabetes can help prevent further nerve damage.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for neuritis varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some cases resolve with treatment, while others may lead to chronic symptoms or permanent nerve damage.
The prognosis for neuritis varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some cases resolve with treatment, while others may lead to chronic symptoms or permanent nerve damage.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Neuropathy]]
* [[Neuropathy]]
* [[Multiple sclerosis]]
* [[Multiple sclerosis]]
* [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]
* [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]
* [[Peripheral nervous system]]
* [[Peripheral nervous system]]
[[File:Diseases_of_the_nervous_system_(1910)_(14586524238).jpg|Neuritis illustration from 1910|thumb|right]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]

Latest revision as of 06:01, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Neuritis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Pain, paresthesia, muscle weakness, numbness
Complications Chronic pain, muscle atrophy, loss of function
Onset Varies depending on cause
Duration Can be acute or chronic
Types N/A
Causes Infection, autoimmune disease, trauma, toxins
Risks Diabetes, alcoholism, vitamin deficiency
Diagnosis Clinical examination, nerve conduction study, electromyography
Differential diagnosis Neuropathy, radiculopathy, myopathy
Prevention N/A
Treatment Pain management, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication
Medication NSAIDs, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants
Prognosis Varies; depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Inflammation of a nerve or the general inflammation of the peripheral nervous system


Neuritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of a nerve or the general inflammation of the peripheral nervous system. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, loss of function, and abnormal sensations. Neuritis can affect a single nerve or multiple nerves and can be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and autoimmune diseases.

Types of Neuritis[edit]

Neuritis can be classified into different types based on the nerves affected and the underlying causes.

Optic Neuritis[edit]

Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, which can lead to sudden vision loss and pain in the eye. It is often associated with multiple sclerosis and can be an early sign of the disease.

Peripheral Neuritis[edit]

Peripheral neuritis, also known as peripheral neuropathy, involves the inflammation of the peripheral nerves. This can result in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, primarily in the hands and feet.

Brachial Neuritis[edit]

Brachial neuritis affects the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. This condition can cause sudden shoulder pain and weakness.

Vestibular Neuritis[edit]

Vestibular neuritis is the inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance. This condition can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.

Causes[edit]

Neuritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of neuritis vary depending on the nerves affected but may include:

  • Pain and tenderness along the course of a nerve
  • Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation
  • Numbness or loss of sensation
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis
  • Abnormal reflexes

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosing neuritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and order tests such as:

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of neuritis depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Physical therapy: Exercises and therapies to improve muscle strength and coordination.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure on a nerve.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding alcohol and managing underlying conditions such as diabetes can help prevent further nerve damage.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for neuritis varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some cases resolve with treatment, while others may lead to chronic symptoms or permanent nerve damage.

See also[edit]