Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Peripheral Neuritis Treatment?

Nicole Long
Nicole Long

Also known as peripheral neuropathy, peripheral neuritis is an inflammation of the peripheral nerves of the human body. Peripheral neuritis treatment options include treating the cause, medications to reduce pain, therapy, and various other options. Adopting specific lifestyle changes can also help treat and reduce the symptoms associated with peripheral neuritis.

Peripheral nerves receive signals from the central nervous system. They transmit these signals to various muscles and organs. These signals are responsible for muscle movements and bodily functions controlled by the organs of the human body.

Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.
Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.

There are several causes of peripheral neuritis, and the specific cause needs to be taken into account when choosing a peripheral neuritis treatment. Common causes include alcoholism, infectious disease, poor nutrition, and gout. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis can also lead to inflammation of the peripheral nerves. An electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) can help doctors diagnose the specific cause or likely cause of the disease.

A doctor may work with patients to form a plan that uses a combination of treatments for peripheral neuritis.
A doctor may work with patients to form a plan that uses a combination of treatments for peripheral neuritis.

Treating the cause of the peripheral neuropathy can help relieve the symptoms associated with the condition. For example, getting diabetes under control with medication or lifestyle modification can control the issue. The goal is to relieve the inflammation and pressure on the peripheral nerves associated with the disease or condition.

Taking measures to control the pain associated with the condition is another peripheral neuritis treatment option. Pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and topical anesthetics can all help control pain caused by nerve damage. Antidepressants have also been beneficial for reducing pain in peripheral neuropathy patients.

An MRI test may be performed in order to determine the cause of peripheral neuritis.
An MRI test may be performed in order to determine the cause of peripheral neuritis.

Therapeutic treatments also exist as part of a peripheral neuritis treatment plan. This includes using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the peripheral nerves. Physical therapy may also be suggested to help with increasing range of motion and maintaining flexibility.

Surgery is another option. It is reserved for cases related to compression of the nerve, such as a slipped disk in the back. Another cause of compression related peripheral neuritis is tumors located near the nerve and impinging on the nerve itself.

Alcoholism is a common cause of peripheral neuritis.
Alcoholism is a common cause of peripheral neuritis.

Those with peripheral neuritis can make a variety of lifestyle changes to help improve symptoms related to the disorder. This includes losing weight and eating a healthy diet. Taking vitamin supplements to correct vitamin deficiencies is also recommended as a peripheral neuritis treatment. Avoiding alcohol and other toxins can also help limit the pain and other symptoms related to the disease, such as muscle loss and painful cramping.

Discussion Comments

sunshined

My peripheral neuritis is from my diabetes. Sometimes the neuropathy in my feet is so bad that I can hardly walk. Other times it just feels like my feet have gone to sleep and they feel numb and tingly.

Either way, having diabetic peripheral neuropathy is not fun, and another complication of this awful disease.

Since neuropathy affects the nerves throughout your whole body, you can imagine how this might feel if you whole body was affected at the same time.

I have to use medications to keep my glucose levels under control. Since I began having the neuropathy symptoms, my doctor also prescribed an antidepressant to help with these symptoms.

I don't quite understand how something like an antidepressant can help with the pain of neuropathy, but it works for me, and I feel much better since I started taking it.

SarahSon

I had been diagnosed with lupus, which is an auto immune disease, for a few years before I began having neuritis symptoms.

This is a strange sensation, as I began to have tingling, numbness and burning neuropathic pain. Even after you know what is causing it, this is something that can drive you crazy and really wear you down.

My doctor said the best treatment for me for these symptoms was to treat the underlying cause, which was the lupus. If I got that under better control, then I shouldn't have as much trouble with the neuropathy.

For me, this meant increasing the dosage of one of the medications I was currently on. This has helped my neuropathy for the most part.

Every once in awhile if I have trouble with the pain, I take some over the counter pain medication which makes it easier to handle.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.
      By: Petro Feketa
      Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.
    • A doctor may work with patients to form a plan that uses a combination of treatments for peripheral neuritis.
      By: Monkey Business
      A doctor may work with patients to form a plan that uses a combination of treatments for peripheral neuritis.
    • An MRI test may be performed in order to determine the cause of peripheral neuritis.
      By: EPSTOCK
      An MRI test may be performed in order to determine the cause of peripheral neuritis.
    • Alcoholism is a common cause of peripheral neuritis.
      By: KoMa
      Alcoholism is a common cause of peripheral neuritis.
    • Peripheral neuritis treatment may involve surgery.
      By: scatto
      Peripheral neuritis treatment may involve surgery.