Inflamed nerve – causes, symptoms, treatment

Inflammation of the nerves is commonly referred to by the general term Neuritis. The condition can be caused by various factors such as mechanical trauma, chemical damage, infections, genetic diseases, and systemic disorders.

If you have a problem with the facial nerve, for example, you may find it difficult to open your mouth, cough, etc., because you experience pain.

If you have neuralgia of the occipital nerve, you will most likely feel the pain radiating across the occiput starting from the neck. Pain is felt with every movement of the head.
Intercostal neuralgia causes extremely sharp pain when breathing in.

Radiculitis is the most common disorder related to the peripheral nervous system, involving inflammation of nerve bundles or roots that enter the spinal column. One of the most common causes of radiculitis is spinal column disorders.

Inflammation of sensory nerves can manifest as numbness, unusual sensations, or intense pain.

The pain from an inflamed nerve differs significantly from other types of pain. Neuropathic pain is often sharp, stabbing, and can intensify with movement, resembling an electric shock. It typically follows the course of the nerve and affects adjacent tissues.

When motor nerves are affected, symptoms may include muscle weakness or even paralysis in severe cases. When multiple types of nerves are inflamed, this can lead to a complex array of symptoms.

If you don’t pay attention to the problem, the condition can become chronic and may manifest with every change in weather, during exertion, and even during routine movements. Additionally, to avoid pain, people often change their habits, adopt incorrect postures, and alter their gait.

During painful episodes, people often turn to pain-relieving gels. These are applied to the skin, cool it down, and alleviate pain. However, these treatments only address the consequences of nerve inflammation on the surface of the skin and do not affect the internal inflammation itself.

Another easy-to-apply method believed to alleviate pain from inflamed nerves is using warm showers, hot baths, or localized heating (most conveniently at home by heating a towel with an iron or on a radiator and placing it on the affected area). These measures can lead to relief from painful sensations and also reduce other symptoms like spasms, stiffness, and tingling in the area of the inflamed nerve. However, if you have an inflamed nerve due to trauma, tooth extraction, or surgery, never apply heat. In such cases, cooling is a more appropriate way to reduce pain and swelling.

Living with an inflamed nerve on a daily basis is an extremely unpleasant experience. Our neurologists can help you identify and treat neuropathic pain using the best available methods.

At your disposal at Medical Center Hera in Sofia are Dr. Dimo Baldaranov and Dr. Margarita Zhelyazkova. Both specialists conduct examinations under the National Health Insurance Fund (NZOK).

You can book an appointment by phone at 02 404 8656 or 0882 441 433

You can also book an appointment online: HERE