Symptoms:
There may be pain, tenderness, tingling, and loss of the sensation of touch in the affected nerve area along with redness and swelling. Pain is not always a prominent symptom of true neuritis, but the numbness, burning, tingling, crawling, with possible pain, tends to occur by spells. Weakness, and even paralysis and loss of sensation, are common. In serious cases, convulsions may occur. The affected muscles may shrink in size.

Cause:
The symptoms can vary with the cause, which can include an injury to a nerve, infection involving a nerve, or a disease (gout, diabetes, leukemia, etc.) Poisons breathed or swallowed (mercury, methyl alcohol, or lead) can cause nerve trouble. A lack of the vitamin B complex, especially thiamine in the diet. A degenerative illness can produce neuritis as a side effect.

Men between the ages of 30 and 50 are the most likely to experience neuritis.

Footdrop, due to sitting with knees crossed, occurs when ankle or foot muscles weaken, causing the toes to drag as one walks. Wrist-drop is caused by pressure in the armpit from a crutch or other support. Optic neuritis occurs when inflammation affects the optic nerve in the eye. This can produce gradual, or sudden, blurring and loss of vision. Blindness can occur in severe cases. But it is usually temporary if prompt treatment is given.

Treatment:
• A well-balanced diet, including a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals is vital. The entire B complex is very important. If the problem is not too far advanced, administration of enough B complex and thiamine can bring great improvement within 3-4 days.

• If poisoning is a factor, the source of contamination must be avoided and eliminated. Obtain an abundance of fresh air.

• Treatment for neuritis includes rest; good diet; and, after the pain subsides, massage and careful exercise. Identify the cause and solve it.

• A fruit and vegetable juice fast for a day or two may help eliminate toxins, and thus strengthen the body to more rapidly heal the affected nerves.