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Neuritis (/ nj ʊəˈr aɪ t ɪ s /), from the Greek νεῦρον), [1] is inflammation of a nerve [2] or the general inflammation of the peripheral nervous system. Inflammation, and frequently concomitant demyelination , [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] cause impaired transmission of neural signals and leads to aberrant nerve function.
Peripheral neuropathy may be classified according to the number and distribution of nerves affected (mononeuropathy, mononeuritis multiplex, or polyneuropathy), the type of nerve fiber predominantly affected (motor, sensory, autonomic), or the process affecting the nerves; e.g., inflammation (), compression (compression neuropathy), chemotherapy (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy).
More definitive diagnosis can be made with electrodiagnostic studies including nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). [5] Diabetic amyotrophy is often a diagnosis of exclusion in diabetic patients with evidence of lumbosacral plexopathy on NCS and EMG studies for whom no other cause of lumbosacral plexopathy can be determined.
Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical findings, patient examination, and imaging evaluation. [21] The most common affected area is the lumbar region of the back, and includes the classic symptomatic triad of back pain, neurological deficits, and MRI with notable adhesions. [ 22 ]
The predominant symptoms of NC involve one or both legs and usually presents as some combination of tingling, cramping discomfort, pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, calves, glutes, and thighs and is precipitated by walking and prolonged standing. However, the symptoms vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition.
A different study showed that out of 100 patients, 16% had an infectious event six weeks or less prior to the onset of neurological symptoms: seven patients had CIDP that was related to or followed viral hepatitis, and six had a chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus. The other nine patients had vague symptoms similar to the flu. [14]
Lumbar stenosis is the most common, followed by cervical stenosis. [2] Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and medical imaging. [4] Treatment may involve medications, bracing, or surgery. [6] Medications may include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, anticonvulsants (gabapentinoids) or steroid injections.
The symptoms affect just one particular part of the body, depending on which nerve is affected. The diagnosis is largely clinical and can be confirmed with diagnostic nerve blocks. Occasionally imaging and electrophysiology studies aid in the diagnosis. Timely diagnosis is important as untreated chronic nerve compression may cause permanent damage.