Neuritis
Neuritis involves the inflammation, damage or destruction of nerve tissue. This condition can affect a single nerve or groups of nerves. It is also sometimes referred to as neuropathy. Permanent damage can result in weakness in the muscles and wasting. There is also a loss of the sense of touch and a decrease in some reflexes. With peripheral n., it can happen at any age, but it is most common in men between age 30 and 50. When it affects the optic nerve, it is known as optic n. With this version, the vision blurs and may be totally lost.
Symptoms
One of the first symptoms may be a sense of weariness or weakness in the legs. When you first begin feeling sensory changes, they usually begin with the lower extremities and work their way up as the condition progresses. Anemia and edema may appear. Symptoms of neuritis may include stabbing pain in the affected area, burning sensations, tingling and sometimes temporary paralysis. Some types of neuritis are also accompanied by a high fever and slight jaundice as well as paralysis.
Causes
This condition can result from an autoimmune disorder, a metabolic disorder, poor diet, injury, heredity, infections or inflammation, exposure to toxins such as arsenic, mercury, copper or zinc, or as a side effect from certain medications. Alcohol abuse can result in this problem, as can infectious diseases like diphtheria, typhoid fever, leprosy, scarlet fever, smallpox, influenza, tuberculosis and beri-beri. It may also be associated with diabetes, gout and rheumatism. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by repetitive activities, pressure on a nerve, nutritional deficiencies, medications and exposure to chemicals.
Cautions
Left untreated, neuritis can affect the spinal cord and result in severe complications like meningitis.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Black cohosh – this herb is antispasmodic, and can be taken as a capsule, tincture, or tablet. Take only under instruction of doctor or medical herbalist.
- St. John's wort – the tincture of this herb can be taken internally to help relieve inflammation of the nerves. It can also be taken as a tea daily in a dose of two cups at a time.
- Soy – take a cup of soy bean milk mixed with a teaspoon of honey every night for 3 or 4 months.
- Lobelia – drink a tea made of this herb to help relieve pain.
- Valerian – this sedative herb can be taken as a tea to help relieve pain and spasm. Valerian can be combined with other therapies like hydrotherapy and massage.
External Applications
- Arnica – this natural anti-inflammatory can be applied externally as an oil or ointment. The oil can be used during massage of the affected areas.
- St. John's wort – the oil of this herb can be applied externally to the affected area. It has anti-inflammatory qualities and has an affinity for the nerves.
- Comfrey – apply a cream topically to the affected area to help relieve neuritis.
- Vervain – apply topical compresses of vervain to help with nerve spasms and pains. This herb is also sedative.
- Hayseed – use 5 or 10 drops of oil from hayseed or of hayseed tincture onto a moist cloth and apply to affected areas to relieve pain.