These symptoms indicate an inflammation of the nerves

introduction

Nerve inflammation - in medical circles it is called neuritis - can express itself in many ways. Small discomforts can occur, but complete functional failures are also possible with strong inflammatory processes. Because of this, nerve inflammation is not always easy to diagnose. The nerve inflammation 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 inflammation.

Please also read: Nerve inflammation

Overview of the possible symptoms

The spectrum of symptoms associated with an inflammation of the nerves is very wide. A common symptom, even with only slight inflammation, is tingling sensations. They are described by patients as ant walking. Other abnormal sensations, such as numbness or sensory disturbances with regard to the sensation of temperature, are possible. Unpleasant sensations, such as electrical feelings or feelings of pressure, can also be perceived.

In addition to the sensory disturbances, symptoms also occur in the muscles when the nerves that supply the muscles are inflamed. On the one hand, uncontrollable muscle twitches occur. On the other hand, muscle weaknesses are also possible. These can be the first sign that paralysis is developing.

Other possible complaints can be circulatory disorders and abnormal sweat secretion. However, general hypersensitivity can also occur as part of an inflammation of the nerves. In addition to the symptoms described, pain usually occurs. These can be very strong and affect those affected in their everyday lives.

In multiple sclerosis, inflammation occurs in different locations in the central nervous system. Therefore, there are failures in different parts of the body. Since the causes and symptoms of nerve inflammation are very diverse, a precise diagnosis should always be made by a doctor.

You might also be interested in: multiple sclerosis

deafness

When numbness occurs, the inflammation affects sensitive nerves. These send information to the brain about touches on the skin. Often there are other abnormal sensations before a complete numbness.

A common condition that causes numbness in the legs is polyneuropathy. The small nerve endings in the feet go under. The polyneuropathy occurs e.g. in the context of diabetes mellitus or in alcoholics.

Read more about this at: Polyneuropathy

tingle

Tingling sensations are a common and typical symptom of nerve inflammation. But it also occurs in other nerve diseases. If it is severe, those affected describe it as ant walking. In addition to the tingling sensations, other sensory disorders also occur, such as feelings of pressure, electrical feelings, pulling, feelings of warmth or cold. Sensory disturbances arise because the affected nerves are irritated by the inflammatory process and the transmission of stimuli is disturbed.

Also interesting: Tingling sensation in the herniated disc

Pain

Nerve inflammation pain is very common and can cause great distress. The pain can take on different characters. It can consist of shooting, burning pain. These are typical nerve pain. The painful impulses described can be triggered by various movements and thus severely limit the person affected in everyday life. But also slight permanent pain in the affected area is possible. Painful abnormal sensations can also occur.

The nature of the pain can also change in the course of the disease. Because the pain originates from the nerve fibers themselves, there is an increased risk of this pain becoming chronic. This means that the pain or abnormal sensation can still be felt after the inflammation has healed. Treating chronic pain is unfortunately very difficult. Unfortunately, regular pain relievers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, often unsuccessful for nerve pain. Other means of pain relief must be used. Options include psychotropic drugs or local anesthesia with a local anesthetic. Successful pain relief is very important because it is the best way to prevent the pain from becoming chronic.

You might also be interested in this topic: Inflammation of the nerves in the thigh

Muscle weakness

Muscle weakness occurs when the inflammation affects motor nerve fibers - the nerves that supply the muscles. The muscle weakness can vary in severity. Under certain circumstances, the ability to move and thus coping with everyday life can be severely restricted. In severe cases, it can lead to complete paralysis of the affected muscles. However, this does not have to be reversible.

More about this at:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle weakness in the legs

paralysis

Symptoms of paralysis can be temporary or permanent if the entire nerve has been destroyed as part of the inflammation. This is e.g. the case with multiple sclerosis. With multiple sclerosis, inflammations in the central nervous system occur again and again, as 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 partially completely damaged. This is why many of those affected have to rely on a wheelchair in the later stages.

When paralysis appears, action should be taken quickly to prevent complete destruction of the nerve and thus avert permanent paralysis.

Further important information can be found at:

• Paraplegia
• Symptoms of paraplegia

Symptoms of the cervical spine

Radiculitis can cause discomfort in the cervical spine. This is an inflammation of the nerve root. These are located directly on the spine. Radiculitis, also called radiculopathy, causes radicular pain. This means that the symptoms and pain run along the nerve or nerves that originate from the affected nerve inflammation. Since all nerve qualities start there, all kinds of symptoms can appear. On the one hand there are symptoms such as sensory disturbances, paresthesia and numbness. On the other hand, muscle weakness and paralysis also occur, since the motor nerves are affected. Typically, the complaints in the supply area are perceived as stronger than at the actual location of the inflammation. Radiculitis should be treated as soon as possible.

You can read more about this here: Cervical spine syndrome

Symptoms on the elbow

The ulnar nerve runs along the elbow and can cause discomfort if the nerve is pinched. Since the nerve on the upper arm or elbow runs through a narrow point, the sulcus nervi ulnaris, this can be done easily. Even if you hit your elbow, you may experience an electric shock-like feeling along your arm. If the nerve is now pinched, such abnormal sensations occur along the forearm. The area of ​​skin over the little finger is particularly affected.

But muscle failures can also occur. Typically the so-called claw hand then occurs. That is, the middle finger and end finger joints are flexed.

You might also be interested in:

• Course of the ulnar nerve
• Nerve inflammation on the arm

Symptoms on the tooth

Inflammation of the tooth nerve is very painful. It is sudden shooting pain. In addition, the sensation of heat and cold on the tooth is uncomfortable and the tooth is generally more sensitive to stimuli. The inflammation can develop as part of tooth decay when bacteria get to the nerve root. There is a risk that the nerve will die. Therefore, therapy should be given quickly.

You can find additional information at: Diseases of the tooth

Chest symptoms

On the rib cage, the nerves run below the ribs. A typical disease that causes inflammation in this area is shingles. Typically, skin reddening and blisters form over the affected area. The skin irritation can be accompanied by itching. In addition, there is severe burning pain.

Also read: Shingles

Back symptoms

Often the complaints are in the lower back. You can also radiate into the legs. Usually one side is more affected than the other. Parasitic sensations and an increased sensitivity to pressure occur. Feelings of weak muscles and paralysis can also occur. It is also typical that the symptoms are worse at rest and are relieved by exercise.

Read more about the topic here: Inflammation of the nerves on the back.