neuroniiti

Neuroniiti is a term used in some medical writings to denote inflammation that targets neurons, rather than nerve fibers or myelin. It is not consistently defined as a distinct clinical syndrome in major neuroimmunology classifications; in many sources related conditions are described as neuritis, autoimmune encephalitis, or broader neuroinflammatory disorders. When used, neuroniiti is intended to emphasize neuronal injury as a primary feature.

Clinical features of neuroniiti depend on which neurons are affected. Patients may experience focal neurological deficits such as weakness or sensory loss, cognitive or behavioral changes, seizures, ataxia, or neuropathic pain. Autonomic symptoms can occur if autonomic neurons are involved. Activity-related symptoms or fluctuating course can occur in autoimmune or infectious contexts.

Causes and risk factors are diverse. Autoimmune mechanisms may involve neuronal autoantibodies or cell-mediated responses. Infections (viral, bacterial, or other pathogens) can trigger neuronal inflammation. Toxins, metabolic disturbances, paraneoplastic processes, and vascular insults may also contribute. The exact etiological category often guides management.

Pathophysiology typically involves immune-mediated injury to neuronal cell bodies or dendrites, microglial activation, and inflammatory mediator release, potentially with secondary effects on surrounding glial cells or vasculature. This can lead to neuronal dysfunction or loss and varied clinical manifestations.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical assessment and diagnostic testing. Neuroimaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electrophysiology, and serologic testing for neuronal antibodies can support the diagnosis and help identify the underlying cause. Occasionally, tissue biopsy is used in uncertain cases.

Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include immunotherapy (steroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis), antimicrobials for infections, toxins removal, and supportive rehabilitation. Prognosis varies with etiology, extent of neuronal injury, and response to treatment.