Neuritis is the inflammation of one or more nerves. This inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including injury, infection (viral or bacterial), or autoimmune diseases. The resulting pain may be accompanied by visible skin or mucosal lesions, especially in cases stemming from viral infections like herpes simplex or zoster. The severity and symptoms of neuritis vary greatly depending on the nerve(s) affected.
Types of Neuritis
Several types of neuritis exist, each affecting different nerves:
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a broad term encompassing damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It's often used interchangeably with neuritis, though neuropathy encompasses a wider range of conditions. Learn more about peripheral neuropathy.
- Optic Neuritis: This specific type inflames the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. It can cause vision problems and pain. Explore optic neuritis further.
- Brachial Neuritis: This affects the nerves in the chest, shoulder, arm, and hand, resulting in pain, weakness, and loss of muscle control and sensation. Find out more about brachial neuritis.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms depend heavily on which nerve or nerves are inflamed. Common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Loss of sensation
Causes can include:
- Injury: Physical trauma to a nerve.
- Infection: Viral or bacterial infections.
- Autoimmune Diseases: The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves.
Distinguishing Neuritis from Neuropathy
It's important to note that neuritis is often confused with neuropathy. While neuritis specifically refers to nerve inflammation, neuropathy is a broader term encompassing any disease affecting the peripheral nervous system. Neuritis can be considered one type of neuropathy.
