Névrite

Névrite is inflammation of a nerve. It can affect a single nerve (mononeuritis) or several nerves (polyneuritis). The most commonly encountered form is optic neuritis, but neuritis can involve the facial nerve, vestibulocochlear nerve, trigeminal nerve, or spinal nerves, producing a range of sensory or motor symptoms. Causes are often inflammatory or immune-mediated and include infections, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or sarcoidosis, and vasculitis; in many cases the exact cause remains unidentified.

Common examples include optic neuritis, which typically causes vision loss and eye pain; facial neuritis affecting the muscles of facial expression; vestibular neuritis with vertigo; and trigeminal neuritis causing facial pain or numbness. Peripheral neuritis can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of reflexes along the affected nerve distribution. The course can be acute or subacute and varies with the nerve involved and the underlying trigger.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation guided by the involved nerve, supported by tests. Imaging, especially MRI of the brain and orbits with contrast, helps detect inflammatory or demyelinating processes. Visual tests, nerve conduction studies, and audiology can evaluate specific nerves. Blood tests may identify infections or inflammatory markers, and lumbar puncture may be used in selected cases to detect inflammatory activity or specific disorders.

Treatment targets the underlying cause and symptom relief. Corticosteroids are used for certain inflammatory neuritides, notably optic neuritis, to speed recovery. Infections may require antiviral or antibiotic therapy, while autoimmune or vasculitic etiologies may require immunosuppressive treatment. Pain management, physical rehabilitation, and monitoring for associated conditions such as multiple sclerosis are often important. Prognosis varies by cause and nerve involved; some cases improve significantly, while others may lead to persistent deficits.