Neuritis

Neuritis, inflammation of peripheral nerves, characterized by sensory or motor disturbances that may take the form of pain (often burning), numbness, tingling (or pins-and-needles) sensations, hypersensitivity, or anesthesia, in the area supplied by the involved nerve; weakness or paralysis of the muscles innervated by the involved nerve may also take place. It is generally the result of such localized causes as injuries, pressure from arthritis involving the spine at the area where the nerve root exits, adjacent tumors, or prolonged exposure to extreme cold. Neuritis may also involve several nerves in different parts of the body. This type of neuritis usually affects the extremities. Infectious diseases, such as typhoid fever, malaria, syphilis, or tuberculosis, and diabetes, heavy-metal poisoning, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies associated with pregnancy, beriberi, and pellagra are among the causes of certain types of neuritis.