PERIPHERAL NEURITIS

Peripheral neuritis is the inflammation of nerves. It is also known as peripheral neuropathy. This disease affects the peripheral nerves throughout the body. The peripheral nervous system includes all the nerves that are not part of the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves supply the internal organs, muscles, and skin and include the nerves in the arms and legs. The central nervous system communicates with peripheral nerves and transmits sensory and motor impulses to the peripheral nerves. These nerves send impulses to muscles, transmit sensation, and control some body functions.

When sensory nerves are damaged, there is a change in sensation. There may be pain, decrease in or lack of sensation, or inability to determine pressure. When motor impulses are damaged, there is muscle weakness, decreased movement, or lack of motor control. If it is permanent, it can result in muscle weakness and wasting. There may also be a loss of sense of touch and a decrease in certain reflexes. A "pins and needles" type pain is usually felt.

The nerves of internal organs, known as autonomic nerves can also be damaged. Damage to these nerves can cause vision problems, dizziness, problems with digestion, bloating, constipation, urinary incontinence, or incomplete bladder emptying.

Peripheral neuritis can occur at any age, but is most common in men between ages 30 and 50. The outlook is good if the cause is quickly identified and eliminated.

Causes of peripheral neuritis include:

alcoholism
long-term chemical poisoning such as sniffing glue, nitrous oxide or heavy metals
infectious diseases
gout
chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, lupus
vitamin B-12 deficiency, poor nutrition and
compression of the nerves such as with casts or splints

When the cause is a chronic disease or long-term exposure to a chemical, the onset may be slow. Those affected may make up for muscle weakness by overusing other muscle groups.

Treatment includes:

finding and removing the cause
vitamin and mineral supplements to treat deficiencies
avoidance of alcohol, since it is toxic to nerve cells
measures to reduce pain
physical and massage therapy and range of motion exercises and
electro stimulation therapy to stimulate nerve and muscle growth

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NEUR3536.RF2 VRS# 5511 Data Version 7.0