Neuritis, << nu RY tihs, >> is an inflammation of a nerve that is caused by disease or injury. It is a painful condition that may affect one or many nerves. Neuritis is sometimes confused with a disorder called neuralgia (see Neuralgia ).
Bacteria, viruses, and diet and vitamin deficiencies can cause neuritis. Infections, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and herpes zoster (shingles), can invade a nerve, resulting in neuritis. Neuritis can also develop when a disease, such as diabetes, changes the activities of the body’s cells. Neuritis caused by physical injury to a nerve involves only the injured nerve.
If neuritis continues for a long time, a nerve may become so badly damaged that it can no longer function properly. As a result, a person may lose the ability to sense heat, pressure, and touch. The body also may lose control over such automatic activities as sweating. If a nerve no longer can stimulate a muscle, the muscle wastes away and eventually becomes paralyzed. Neuritis requires a doctor’s care.
