Simple Neuritis.—­This means that a single nerve of a group of adjacent nerve trunks is affected.  If a number of nerves are affected at the same time it is called Multiple Neuritis or Polyneuritis.

Causes.—­(a) Exposure to cold.  This is a very frequent cause, as for example, in the facial (face) nerve. (b) Traumatism,—­that is, wounds, blows, injuries caused by fractures and dislocations; pressure from tumors, sleeping with the head resting on the arms.  Pressure from crutches, “crutch paralysis.” (c) Diseases involving the nerves due to extension of inflammation from nearby structures, as in neuritis of the facial nerve due to decay of the temporal bone.

Symptoms.—­The constitutional or general symptoms are usually slight.  The pain is the most important symptom, being of a boring in the parts to which it is distributed.  This pain may be very distressing, or of a stabbing character, and is usually felt in the course of the nerve; or it may cause little inconvenience.  Sometimes the skin is red and swollen over the affected parts.  There is impaired nerve function and as a result of this the muscles supplied by these nerves become weak, and occasionally paralyzed.  In severe cases they may become atrophied and an eruption often appears along the course of the nerve.  Sometimes the hair and nails are not properly nourished, causing falling out or grayness of the hair and loss of the nails.  This neuritis may extend from the peripheral (external) nerves and involve the larger nerve trunks or even reach the spinal cord.  This rarely occurs in neuritis from cold, or in that which follows fevers; but it occurs most frequently in neuritis caused by blows, wounds, etc., (traumatic).

Duration.—­This varies from a few days to weeks or months.  If the primary cause can be remedied it usually ends in full recovery.  Sometimes it is followed by the chronic form.

Physicians’ treatment for Neuritis.—­The first thing to do is to try to remove the cause.  Then absolute and continued rest of the affected part.  If one has a sore hand it will be rested, if possible; so it must be with the sore and inflamed nerve.

For the Attack.—­After having placed the part in absolute rest, moist heat applied to it frequently brings great relief.  Sometimes a mustard plaster applied along the sore part does good.  This produces a counter irritation and thus draws some of the congestion from the congested, inflamed nerve.  Ice is more effective in some cases than heat.  The bowels should be kept open daily with salts.  Build up the general health with tonics; no alcohol can be used.  If it shows a tendency to become chronic, use massage, electricity or change of climate.  Atrophy (shrinking) of the muscles is likely to follow if the disease continues long and for this massage and electricity must be given.

[278 Mothers’ remedies]