Everyone knows that nerve cells do not regenerate, but in the hustle and bustle of our lives, we deal with stressful situations and other negative factors every day. In order to correct or prevent the serious consequences of this, a neurologist comes to the rescue. We will look into what this specialist treats and what complaints should be addressed to him.
Doctor's specialization
In adult patients, the main organs examined are the brain and spinal cord. Nerves and nerve plexuses become important elements of study.
When the brain is damaged or pathological, other important organs and parts of the human body may suffer, so it is believed that neurology is closely related to the endocrine system, the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and the sensory organs.
It is worth visiting a doctor when you feel pain in the back, neck and head, chest and abdomen. In addition, you should consult a neurologist if depression has set in and neuroses, obsessive states and anxiety have appeared.
Neurological diseases can manifest as limb tremors and tics
, which also becomes an important reason for quickly contacting a specialist.
It is necessary to consult a specialist if attention deficit disorder or a constant feeling of fear occurs. Such conditions contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain and disruption of its normal activity.
Website of psychotherapist Igor Yurov
(Monthly “This is how we live”, No. 11, /164/, December, 2016)
The main contingent of patients seeking outpatient (polyclinic) appointments with a psychotherapist are people with neurotic symptoms; neurosis, by definition, is not a mental, but an emotional disorder. With neurosis, a person remains fully critical of his problem, emotional or somatic suffering, he does not delusion or hallucinate, does not try to harm someone or, say, jump out of a window (although obsessive, debilitating thoughts about the possibility of losing control over himself and committing something similar with anxiety neuroses is quite natural), he is absolutely normal and mentally healthy, and at the same time needs urgent medical, namely psychotherapeutic help.
QUESTION: I am being referred to a psychotherapist. Yes, I have problems and some symptoms that are most likely associated with “nerves,” but I am a mentally healthy, normal person. Can’t a neurologist, for example, help me?”
Answer I.Yu.:
Regarding the question of “mental health” and “normality” of a patient turning to a psychotherapist, it should be understood that a relatively narrow contingent of patients suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder (in the old days - manic-depressive psychosis), epilepsy are truly mentally unhealthy. and some other so-called endogenous diseases. Moreover, in the full sense of the word - NOT healthy - such patients are only at the first manifestation of the disease before the start of treatment, or during periods of exacerbations, which, as a rule, occur only due to violation of the rules of maintenance therapy. Also, “abnormality” in these cases is determined not so much by the very fact of the presence of the disease, but by its individual temporary manifestations - delusions and hallucinations that disrupt contact with reality, lack of criticism, uncontrolled motor arousal, paranoia, acute fear or aggression, gross disorders of consciousness, disturbances of orientation in place and time, etc., often leading to antisocial or suicidal behavior. Such patients are treated by psychiatrists in specialized psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric emergency medical teams.
The main contingent of patients seeking outpatient (polyclinic) appointments with a psychotherapist are people with neurotic symptoms; neurosis, by definition, is not a mental, but an emotional disorder.
Thinking, intellect, memory, attention, consciousness, orientation and other higher mental functions in an ordinary “neurotic” are not at all impaired, but the emotional sphere (feelings, experiences) are unbalanced to a large extent, sometimes so much so that they CREATE THE APPEARANCE of a serious mental disorder, since lead to severe suffering and severe social maladjustment. These are some forms of anxiety neuroses (for example, social phobia, panic disorder), reactive (i.e., a reaction to severe stress) depression, somatoform autonomic dysfunctions (emotional experiences masquerading as somatic and even pain symptoms), pseudoneurological (i.e. only simulating damage to the nervous system) disorders of hysterical origin, etc.
With neurosis, a person remains fully critical of his problem, emotional or somatic suffering, he does not delusion or hallucinate, does not try to harm someone or, say, jump out of a window (although obsessive, debilitating thoughts about the possibility of losing control over himself and committing something similar with anxiety neuroses is quite natural), he is absolutely normal and mentally healthy, and at the same time needs urgent medical, namely psychotherapeutic help.
Why can’t a neurologist/neurologist help in such cases?
A neuropathologist (neurologist) treats mainly organic (morphological, structural) diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems, i.e. not only the brain, but also the spine and the entire variety of nerve pathways throughout the body, so turning to it is advisable in cases where there is damage to the nerve fibers or a pronounced disorder in their functioning as a result of the action of any external factors, for example, traumatic brain injury, infectious inflammation (meningitis, encephalitis, arachnoiditis), severe poisoning, complications of viral diseases, vascular disorders (such as cerebral atherosclerosis, stroke), as well as congenital anomalies of the central nervous system, its secondary damage in as a result of chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic alcoholism, etc.).
A consultation with a neurologist, as well as other specialists - a cardiologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, and the examinations prescribed by him (MRI, EEG, REG) may be advisable before contacting a psychotherapist, to exclude possible organic (neurological) pathology. The same applies to preliminary endocrinological, cardiological, immunological, gynecological, etc. examinations.
If a physical cause of the disorder is discovered, then treatment should really be carried out by a neurologist, or even better, jointly by a neurologist and a psychotherapist. If a neurologist excludes organic damage to the central nervous system as the cause of the existing symptoms, then the disorder is purely neurotic in nature, i.e. affects the emotional sphere, and treatment should be carried out by a psychotherapist, and in his absence, by a psychiatrist.
Unfortunately, often disturbing and vegetative symptoms of neurosis (palpitations, dizziness, headache, sweating, feeling of lack of air, weakness, fluctuations in blood pressure, etc.) are incorrectly described by such common neurological diagnoses as, for example, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or intercostal neuralgia .
How is this possible? It’s very simple - a neurotic patient is physically healthy, but signs of spinal osteochondrosis can be identified in almost every person over 15 years of age. Not understanding what is happening to him, the unfortunate and at the same time absolutely healthy anxious “neurotic” finally receives a calming answer - it’s not the heart, not a tumor, not schizophrenia and not even the thyroid gland - hurray! - it’s all from osteochondrosis, it’s just that somewhere in the neck (or between the ribs) a nerve is pinched! Everything is clear - they don’t die or go crazy from this!
That’s just why “symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis” do not arise with awkward movement, not in an uncomfortable position, not with physical activity, and not even when “the neck gets blown”, but with a surge of anxious thoughts, excitement, anxiety, disappointment, lack of sleep, fatigue , emotional or mental stress, conflict? If the cause of the symptoms is physical, then why do they occur during mental and emotional discomfort? The patient no longer asks this question, obviously “out of joy,” either to the doctor or to himself...
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in an anxious person has a huge “psychotherapeutic effect” - the person calms down and... his condition improves! In the future, he may feel a little better as a result of multiple relaxing and distracting procedures prescribed for osteochondrosis - massage, manual therapy, physical therapy, painkillers, vitamins, and “comprehensively supporting the nervous system” vascular and nootropic drugs that give an excellent placebo effect (the effect of self-hypnosis), while having absolutely nothing to do with the treatment of neurosis. And if this is so, it means that it is necessary to continue to “be treated”, and most importantly, there is no need to go to a psychiatrist! But anxiety and depression do not go away completely, and the quality of life worsens every year, sometimes even leading to disability. But what can you do - it’s all the blood vessels, osteochondrosis, neuralgia, ischemia, encephalopathy, insufficiency, and then menopause, age, atherosclerosis...
Alas, in my practice I have to observe many situations where patients, obeying superstitious fear or false embarrassment, are unsuccessfully treated by neurologists for years (!), even lose their ability to work, not to mention the neurotic suffering they experience severely (for example, with clinically pronounced depression , panic disorder, hypochondria, severe social phobia), as long as they are not noticed leaving the psychotherapist’s office and considered abnormal. When forced necessity or a happy accident finally forces one to ignore illusory fears and receive adequate psychotherapeutic treatment that “miraculously” relieves them of all suffering, then regret about wasted time and one’s own false modesty looks simply tragicomic.
Neurological examination
An appointment with a neurologist begins with a visual examination and identification of the patient’s complaints. To help a specialist correctly diagnose the disease and find out its causes, the patient should be told in detail about the state of health and symptoms, the degree of their severity, and the frequency of occurrence.
How is the reception going? It is carried out individually with each patient separately, it all depends on the type of disease.
It is mandatory to study the medical record, certificates and test results
. If the data is insufficient, the doctor prescribes additional tests and examinations to make an accurate diagnosis.
The main purpose of the examination is to determine the state of the nervous system and obtain accurate information about its functioning.
A neurological examination is based on examining parts of the nervous system, from the muscles to the brain. The doctor analyzes the victim’s gait, coordination and reflexes, and cranial nerves. An appointment with a neurologist may also be accompanied by palpation, that is, feeling the patient’s body to detect pathological changes.
Sciatica
Diseases
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest in the human body. It consists of many motor and particularly sensitive fibers. It passes along the back wall of the buttock and thigh, breaking up into small branches. When this nerve becomes inflamed, a syndrome occurs that doctors call sciatica.
This is a common problem that appears in people after 30-35 years. Sometimes doctors also call this disease sciatic neuralgia. This disease can manifest itself no more than two or three times a year. Therefore, people with such a problem are in no hurry to see a doctor.
However, over time, the frequency of attacks will only increase, and the intensity of pain will increase.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of sciatica is pain. It occurs when the sciatic nerve in the back of the thigh and lower lumbar region becomes inflamed. The nature of pain in this disease can be different. Some patients indicate that it is shooting and sharp, others talk about a pulling and aching sensation. In addition to pain, a person also experiences the following symptoms of sciatica:
- Numbness of the affected area;
- Tingling in thigh;
- Muscle spasms;
- Limited mobility in the leg.
The pain in this disease is so severe that the patient cannot even move. In addition, coughing, sneezing or attempts to sit down only provoke an increase in the syndrome. The pain is so excruciating that it prevents a person from even sleeping, causing insomnia.
The symptoms of sciatica are quite easy to recognize. With this disease, the pain spreads to the back of the thigh, extends to the lower leg and ends in the foot. Its intensity can either increase or decrease. The disease can provoke partial atrophy of the muscles of the lower limb. If the symptoms of sciatica are ignored, it can cause the following complications:
- Dying of nerve endings;
- Leg paralysis;
- Disorders of the pelvic organs;
- Vertebral instability.
Unsuccessful jumps, falls, and physical activity can provoke an attack of sciatica. The causes of sciatica can be different. The disease occurs in the vast majority of cases against the background of other ailments developing in the body. Most often, inflammation of the sciatic nerve worries people who suffer from:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis;
- Osteochondrosis;
- Intervertebral hernia;
- Spondylolisthesis;
- Overgrowth of osteophytes.
The most commonly diagnosed cause of the disease is osteochondrosis. However, a problem can also arise against the background of infectious lesions of the body. In this case, the inflammatory process in the sciatic nerve appears due to toxins produced by pathogenic bacteria. Sciatica may occur in people with:
- Tuberculosis;
- Syphilis;
- Malaria;
- Flu;
- Typhoid fever;
- Scarlet fever.
Experts also identify factors that contribute to the development of the disease. Often, inflammation of the sciatic nerve is preceded by hypothermia. People who have diabetes or suffer from gout are at greater risk of encountering this problem. Nerve roots can also be compressed in women during pregnancy. After childbirth, as a rule, sciatica completely disappears.
You will not be able to cope with this disease on your own. If you do not want the excruciating pain to recur, then you need to urgently seek medical help. The following doctors can recognize the symptoms of the disease and prescribe treatment for sciatica:
The specialist will carefully examine the patient and listen to all his complaints. In order to draw up a complete clinical picture of the disease, the doctor will ask the patient several questions:
After examination and questioning, the doctor can already diagnose sciatica. However, he must qualify his assumption. To do this, the doctor prescribes the patient to undergo an examination. It consists of a general blood test, radiography and magnetic computed tomography. These diagnostic procedures allow:
- Confirm the presence of inflammation of the sciatic nerve;
- Detect concomitant diseases;
- Identify the exact causes of a pinched nerve.
Only after receiving the results of all procedures and carefully studying them, the doctor has the right to begin treatment. Therapy is developed for each patient on a strictly individual basis.
The methods by which the disease will be defeated are selected by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s condition. As a rule, for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the patient is prescribed:
- Drug therapy;
- Massotherapy;
- Physiotherapy.
Treatment of sciatica begins with the prescription of painkillers. All efforts of doctors will be aimed at stabilizing the patient’s condition. For sciatica, non-steroidal drugs are used to suppress symptoms, which have:
- Analgesic effect;
- Anti-inflammatory effect;
- Anti-edematous effect.
Such medications are prescribed both in the form of tablets and injections or ointments. If it is not possible to cope with severe pain with these drugs, then the patient is given a novocaine blockade. In this case, the doctor injects medicine into the lumbar region, blocking the nerve plexuses that cause symptoms.
In addition, drug treatment for sciatica also includes the administration of vitamin complexes. These funds are necessary for the nervous system to function properly. With this disease, it is especially useful to take B vitamins.
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Until the symptoms are eliminated, sciatica is treated in a hospital. In the future, the patient can continue to recover at home. However, he must strictly follow all the specialist’s instructions, as well as attend physical procedures. For sciatica, the patient may be prescribed a course of:
- Electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- Magnetotherapy;
- Laser therapy;
- Acupuncture.
Treatment of sciatica is quite complex and lengthy, so it is best to prevent the occurrence of this disease. To do this, you just need to know the methods of preventing this disease. To avoid inflammation of the sciatic nerve, you need to:
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
- Walk in comfortable shoes;
- Exercise;
- Regulate the load on the spine;
- Watch your posture;
- Do not overcool your lower back.
A factor that may hasten the onset of this problem is obesity. You need to monitor your weight, as excess weight causes additional stress on the spine and can cause sciatica.
Moderate physical activity normalizes muscle tone, improves blood flow, and relieves stiffness in joints. It is recommended to give preference to the following sports: running, yoga, swimming. However, you should avoid excessive stress, which can also cause pinching and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
It is very difficult to overcome the disease at home. It is best to trust professionals who will help you quickly restore your health. Folk remedies for this disease can be useful. But they can be used as additional therapy. Your doctor will tell you how to treat sciatica with folk remedies. The following are considered the most effective recipes:
- Kalina. The flowers of this plant should be mixed with thyme, calendula and horsetail. Pour the mixture with water and bring to a boil. Cool and take before meals three times a day.
- Beeswax. It must be mixed with freshly squeezed black radish juice. Add table salt and vodka. Mix the product and apply to the lower back. Shake the mixture before use.
- Black radish. It must be crushed on a fine grater. Place a clean cloth on the patient’s lower back and place radishes on top. Cover with a warm blanket or towel. Leave the compress on for 15 minutes.
- Agave. This plant can be purchased at a flower shop. Cut the stem and remove all thorns from it. Cut in half and rub the cut on the affected part of the back and thigh. Repeat three times a day.
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Source: https://bolezni.zdorov.online/ortopedija/ishias/
Diagnostic tests
After a neurological examination has been carried out, the patient can be referred for examination to make an accurate diagnosis.
Types of research conducted:
- electroneuromyography;
- radiography;
- ultrasonography;
- computed tomography (CT) of the brain and spinal cord;
- electroencephalography;
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the back and brain;
- duplex scanning of the main arteries of the head (DS MAG).
Various laboratory methods for examining the body
(general and detailed blood test, urine test, etc.). When and what tests are prescribed depends only on the patient’s health condition.
Detection of nervous diseases
In order to make a diagnosis for pathologies of the nervous system, they use basically the same methods as for other ailments. After collecting anamnesis and taking samples, a neurological examination is performed, based on the results of which additional research methods are prescribed.
- CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are excellent assistants in the work of a specialist such as a neurologist. Reviews indicate the high accuracy and safety of these methods. With their help, it is quite easy to detect abscesses, hemorrhages, and microtraumas.
- EEG - electroencephalography.
- Angiography of cerebral vessels.
- Ultrasound.
- If an infectious disease is suspected, a lumbar puncture of the spinal cord is performed.
- X-ray contrast study.
- Psychometry.
Symptoms of pathologies
A neurologist helps to cope with neurological diseases that are characterized by specific symptoms.
The doctor’s competence includes many neurological symptoms, which are most often not paid due attention
in everyday life.
What complaints do patients turn to a specialist with:
- headaches and muscle weakness;
- speech disorders;
- insomnia, frequent waking up, poor sleep;
- pain in the back and head;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- sudden loss of consciousness;
- loss of sensitivity, numbness of fingers and toes, soft tissues;
- tingling in the limbs;
- general weakness of the body, fatigue;
- impaired coordination and gait;
- absent-mindedness, deterioration of memory, perception.
With neurological diseases, several symptoms may appear simultaneously, or only one of the above symptoms. Failure to contact a neurologist in a timely manner can lead to rapid deterioration of the condition.
body and disruption of the usual rhythm of life.
Neuralgia of the facial nerve: why it is dangerous and how to cure the condition
The facial nerve is responsible for facial muscles and sensitivity, and its inflammation leads to complete or partial dysfunction. The pathology is called neuralgia, neuritis, neuropathy or Bell's palsy, depending on the cause of the condition. The disease is quite common and has several treatment options, including surgery if necessary.
What is facial neuralgia?
Neuralgia of the facial nerve has a code according to ICD-10 M 79.2. According to statistics, the pathology is more common in women and older people; it is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbations. A person may confuse symptoms of pain with a migraine or toothache.
Signs that clearly indicate neuralgia are manifested in the inability to wrinkle the forehead, frown the eyebrows, wrinkle the nose, the patient will not be able to puff out his cheeks in turn and close his eyes normally.
Useful information Most changes affect one side of the face; bilateral lesions are extremely rare.
Main symptoms
Initially, neuralgia of the facial nerve may appear as pain in the ear area, spreading to the eye, face, and back of the head. Next, the patient loses the ability to control the facial muscles, the asymmetry becomes noticeable, especially when talking, laughing or crying. The patient also:
- eyes become wide open, tearing or dryness appears;
- the corner of the mouth drops, which is why a person bites his cheek when eating;
- pain appears on one side of the jaw;
- there is dry mouth or increased saliva production;
- speech is disrupted;
- half of the tongue on the affected side ceases to sense tastes.
The reaction to sounds on the affected side of the face becomes more pronounced than on the healthy side. Facial neuralgia can also have symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, fever, and others.
Causes
There are several factors that can lead to neuralgia of the facial nerve; the disease is mainly observed in the following conditions:
- Hypertensive diseases, cerebrovascular accidents, stroke. These conditions disrupt the nutrition of the nerve.
- Neuralgia can occur when the tumor compresses the nerve ending.
- One of the reasons is poor circulation.
- Viral diseases can cause the condition: herpes, polio, enterovirus.
- Increase the risk of neuralgia ENT diseases.
- Also, the reasons may be: mental disorders, multiple sclerosis, caries, periodontitis, etc.
Provoking factors
The risk of developing pathology increases during pregnancy and hormonal imbalances; alcoholics, especially in the later stages, may suffer from it. The condition can be provoked by injuries, hypothermia, colds, frequent stress, intoxication, and lack of vitamins. In rare cases, the disease develops against the background of a congenital narrowing of the cranial bones passing through the facial nerve.
Useful information In more than 50% of cases, the true cause of neuralgia cannot be determined.
What is the danger of the disease?
Neuralgia of the facial nerve is not life-threatening, but can greatly affect its quality. The pathology causes noticeable facial distortion and impaired conversation, which can become a serious psychological problem.
Muscle atrophy on the injured side is possible, causing facial paralysis. In the absence of treatment, the muscles begin to twitch involuntarily, the eyes become very watery, and the risk of developing conjunctivitis and keratitis increases.
Constant pain leads to insomnia, which causes stress, irritability, and impaired performance.
Diagnostics
An experienced doctor is able to determine facial neuralgia by visual examination, however, based only on external symptoms, a diagnosis cannot be made, and therefore a number of additional examinations will be required:
- blood analysis;
- MRI;
- CT;
- electroneurography;
- electromyography.
The patient will be treated by a neurologist or neurologist, and it will be quite long. If medications are ineffective, surgical intervention is possible.
Treatment
Treatment for facial neuralgia is long-term and largely depends on the causes that caused the condition. Treatment can include medications, physiotherapy, massage and gymnastics, and alternative medicine. The effectiveness of medications in older people is low; surgical treatment is mainly indicated for them.
Medicines
Facial neuralgia involves taking drugs from different groups; antiepileptic drugs can be prescribed:
- Diphenina;
- Acediprole;
- Tebantina;
- Carbamazepine.
From the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, treatment is often prescribed:
- Celebrex;
- Nurofen;
- Diclofenac;
- Indomethacin.
Facial spasms are relieved with anticonvulsants:
- Diphenina;
- Tegretol;
- Trileptala.
You can relieve pain from facial neuralgia with ointments and gels with vasodilating and blood circulation-improving effects:
- Ketonal;
- Diclofenac;
- Ibuprofen;
- Ketalgin;
- if necessary, narcotic drugs: Morphine, Promedol, Tramadol.
To relieve stress, sedatives and antidepressants are used: Seduxen, Relium, Phenobarbital. To relieve swelling, diuretics are prescribed: Furosemide. If necessary, take antiviral drugs depending on the pathogen, if it is herpes, drink: Gerpevir, Lavomax.
For acute pain that is not relieved by taking medications, a novocaine or lidocaine blockade is performed. If necessary, injections are given with hormonal drugs. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications during pregnancy if the pain is severe.
Vitamins B, C, E will contribute to a speedy recovery.
Self-administration of medications is prohibited due to the presence of a large number of contraindications and possible side effects, so prior consultation is required. The doctor must be sure that the patient does not suffer from diseases for which the use of certain medications can cause serious complications.
Physiotherapy
Medication alone is not always enough for facial neuralgia; generally, complex therapy, including physical procedures, is applied to the patient:
- UHF;
- electrophoresis;
- applications;
- acupuncture;
- mud therapy.
It is also important for patients to follow the diet prescribed by the doctor and other recommendations for a speedy recovery.
Facial massage and gymnastics
Therapeutic exercises are performed twice a day in front of a mirror and involve both sides. The exercises consist of performing facial actions:
- forehead wrinkling;
- closing the eyes simultaneously and alternately, squinting, protruding, moving the eyeballs in different directions;
- frowning;
- drawing in air through the nose and wrinkling it;
- baring teeth;
- grin;
- circular movement of the tongue inside and outside, resting it on the cheeks with the mouth open;
- retraction and puffing of the cheeks;
- movement of the lower jaw;
- stretching of lips, whistling, pronunciation of consonants and vowels;
- rinsing the mouth with water.
During massage, the painful part is massaged with hands starting from the forehead; movements should not be strong, so as not to provoke redness of the skin. Next steps are as follows:
- Close the eyes and begin to stroke the eyelids from the bridge of the nose to the ears.
- The nose is massaged from the nostrils to the ears.
- The lips and chin are stroked from the center to the outer edges.
- Neck massage is carried out on the front side.
- Next, you need to turn your head in different directions and perform circular movements if they do not increase the pain.
It is recommended to perform gymnastics and massage daily, several times a day with an interval of 3 hours.
Traditional medicine
Many doctors themselves recommend taking traditional recipes in the treatment of facial neuralgia, due to their high effectiveness. The following recipes help with neuralgia:
- Willow bark in the amount of 10 g is poured into 250 ml of boiling water and simmered over low heat. After 60 minutes, remove, filter and consume 1 large spoon three times a day. The decoction has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces fever and helps cope with pain.
- Yarrow flowers in the amount of 20 g are poured into a glass of boiled water and left to infuse. After an hour, you can drink the medicine 1 large spoon, 4 times a day. The composition has an anti-inflammatory effect, fights muscle spasms, and strengthens the immune system.
- Pharmaceutical chamomile for medicine is used in a volume of 100 g, which is poured into 500 ml of liquid and left to infuse for an hour. The infusion is consumed half a glass per day. The plant fights inflammation and spasms, calms the nervous system.
- Dried mint, in the amount of 30 g, is boiled for 10 minutes in 200 ml of liquid. Drink half a glass of the decoction twice a day; it helps relax muscles and has a calming effect.
- A warming compress is made from fresh geranium leaves for 2 hours. The effect of the plant comes quickly, it relieves spasms and eliminates pain. Compresses made from onions, infusion of birch buds, grated horseradish, boiled garlic with lemon juice also relieve symptoms well.
- If you rub the affected area with black radish juice, you can have a warming effect on the nerve, reduce pain and swelling.
- It is useful to use an ointment made from a handful of lilac buds and pork fat. The composition helps relieve muscle spasms and relieve pain.
- A warm boiled egg applied to the face, which must be divided into 2 parts, helps relieve swelling.
Preventive measures
Since facial neuralgia is often caused by a lack of vitamins, they must be replenished with foods rich in potassium, magnesium and B vitamins: nuts, seeds, milk, eggs, fish, meat, cheese. Also important:
- Avoid hypothermia and colds. To do this, you need to dress according to the weather, do not go out into the cold sweaty, and be sure to wear a hat.
- It is important to promptly treat infectious and other diseases that can cause complications in the form of neuralgia.
- You can strengthen your immune system through hardening, eating healthy foods, herbal teas and infusions.
- It is important to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
It is also important to avoid stress, get enough sleep, control your weight, and spend more time in the fresh air. When the first signs of the disease appear, it is important to undergo an examination; the sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of a complete recovery without the use of surgical treatment.
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Types of diseases
Such diseases are considered the most common in the world; they can develop at literally any age and, if not treated in a timely manner, develop into pathologies.
Only qualified specialists determine the type of disease and its stage of development.
Today there are such neurological diseases as:
- Parkinson's disease;
- headaches of different nature and duration (migraines, tremors, nervous tics, etc.);
- stroke and its consequences;
- back and head injuries, as well as their consequences;
- sleep disturbance;
- spasms in different parts of the body;
- autonomic dysfunction;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- radiculitis;
- intervertebral protrusions, hernias;
- multiple sclerosis;
- sciatica;
- hysteria;
- stroke and its consequences;
- neuralgia of various types;
- epilepsy, etc.
In almost all cases, the nervous system is affected by fungal, viral, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. Only in some cases, the main cause of the development of diseases of the peripheral nervous system is the body's immune reaction.
Vascular treatment
An angioneurologist is a doctor who specializes in detecting vascular diseases of the brain
, as well as their treatment.
The specialist’s competence includes improving preventive measures for people of working age.
In addition, the angioneurologist actively works with other specialties.
The specialist promotes proper nutrition, avoidance of alcohol abuse and leading an active lifestyle.
What does an angioneurologist treat?:
- neurological syndrome Parkinsonism;
- pathological changes in the spine;
- chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency;
- determination of repeated, primary risk of stroke;
- disturbance of brain activity in arterial hypertension;
- stroke and its consequences;
- circulatory disorders in the brain;
- cerebral venous dysfunction;
- disorders of the vascular network of the brain, spinal circulation;
- vascular pathologies;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia, etc.
Nervous system - who treats?
I have a nodule on the thyroid gland, I will remove it. But that’s half the question. After severe stress, my hair is falling out a lot, also one ovary, on which there was a cyst, is now without a cyst, but very sluggish, there is no egg. I just went to the dermatologist, This lady laughed at me and said, albeit in a polite manner, that there was no problem with hair, the norm is up to 150 hairs per day. She said to treat my nerves. Gynecological and thyroid hormones are normal. I’m already ready to treat for anger and fatigue, at least nerves, even heel spurs. Well, how long can you pretend that this is just another idea fixed by a suspicious young lady? Please advise which doctor treats the nervous system, how to talk to him? Thanks for any information.
The greatest doctor is yourself; nerves can only be cured through spiritual work on yourself. and most importantly, you need to be more alone with yourself and relax. meditation. and doctors can even cripple you with prescribed drugs.
In this section, only neutral information is published in topics and comments. Topics and comments containing advice, recommendations, promotion of alternative methods of treatment or other actions will be closed.
Neuropotolog. a govorit s nim nedo tak zhe kak is drugimi vrachami. vyskazat podrobno vse zhalobi. INogda nado popit' lekarstva chtobi uspokoitsya
Tell me, who in such a situation took what medications? Which ones helped you?
and for now I only take afobazole. I haven’t decided on more serious ones yet. At night I brew tea from valerian, motherwort and hawthorn. But it needs to be taken for a long time and cooled down. at night - because to fall asleep and get at least a little sleep: (((I drink it slowly from about 21 to 23 o’clock.
for hair. I started with Perfectil, now I take Vitrum Beauty and Cheviton (from Vision dietary supplements) Well, all sorts of ointments: (((What should I do? I have to somehow continue to live with this!
Yes, my nerves are really very frayed, I just don’t know how to start a conversation with a doctor without him sending me to some proctologist. This football is more exhausting than the ailments themselves, especially since the appointment is 5-6 weeks in advance.
Novopassit tablets help me well.
5, well, novopassitis, unfortunately, I think that’s no longer the case, I think the doctor will prescribe antidepressants or something like that. Which, of course, I wouldn’t want at all.
author! As I understand you. These trips to the doctors bring nothing but a nervous breakdown. The last time I begged the cardiologist to do an ECG. He didn’t do it, he said that I have an excellent heart. Why does it hurt? I don’t understand. I sent him to a psychiatrist. I went! I was very pleased communication with this guy, honestly. Taught me how to breathe during attacks of allergic reactions, how to think and what to say to myself at what moment.
I can also link you to a website where conversations are conducted by a professional psychologist. Should I?
I should! Thank you very much for your support and advice! I’ll be gone for a week, if the thread doesn’t die, I’ll read all the answers, sorry, I’ve been sent on a business trip.
First, how old are you?
Cry from the soul! Girls, how to force yourself to lose weight?
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Gaskets
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HOW TO TREAT “NERVES” CORRECTLY. Isn't the neurologist omnipotent?
Register Login. Mail replies. Questions are leaders. Who was given mask anesthesia as a child? Did you resist when the anesthesiologist put on the mask? How did you persuade him to breathe into a mask? Leaders in the category Lena-foam Artificial Intelligence. Vlad Oracle. What kind of doctor “treats nerves”? Zosya Sinickaja Student 96, closed 9 years ago I can’t get over my divorce. Shaking, constantly in tears, nervous breakdowns, I can’t sleep, I’ve become very irritable, I can’t concentrate. I drink them in batches - zero effect.
Therefore, I want to consult a doctor so that a specialist can select a sedative. Tell me, which specialist should I go to with such a “diagnosis”? Best answer. Natasha Nesterenko Master 9 years ago you need to relax, if you are a doctor, then a neurologist, if you are depressed, then a psychotherapist. Nowadays, going to the doctors will start with the head and end with the feet, but it’s up to you to decide.
Good luck to you. Other answers. Olly Magdilan Student 9 years ago Neuropathologist. First to the second, then, if necessary, to the first. Valcoder Oracle 9 years ago Go to a psychotherapist. Boris Aizikovich Enlightened 9 years ago In this case, it is better not to have a doctor or sedatives. Moska Mosechkina Master 9 years ago you should drink glycine - this is the safest and most effective remedy.
Yana Chursina Guru 9 years ago immediately went to see a therapist, and he most likely referred her to a neurologist. Sorry, I only saw the question, and then the reason, of course, go to a psychotherapist, this is necessary, well, completely occupy your day, work, communicate with friends, if there is an opportunity, fitness is available to you, and of course time must pass, do not torment yourself with memories , try to live for today!
Nadezhda Thinker 9 years ago to a psychotherapist. Similar questions. They also ask.
Nervous disorders have both cognitive and physical symptoms.
Which doctor treats nerves?
Frequent emotional overload and repeated stress can often lead to the fact that the nervous system ceases to work stably. As a result, nervous disorders of varying severity occur. Often people try to wait until all the symptoms go away on their own, but often the wait-and-see tactic leads to a worsening of the situation and the development of the disease. The difficulty of contacting a specialist for such disorders is that several highly specialized doctors deal with the nervous system. To figure out which of them treats in each specific case, you need to find out what is within its competence.
Which specialists will help?
Dysfunctions of the nervous system can be caused by a variety of reasons and have completely different manifestations. Specialists dealing with such diseases are divided into 3 main categories: neurologist, psychotherapist and psychiatrist. All of them must have a diploma of higher medical education, after which they must complete an internship within 2 or 3 years and begin independent practice.
Neurologist
A neurologist is a specialist whose field of activity covers all areas of neurology: prevention, examination and influence on the central and peripheral parts of the nervous system. Neurology studies in detail the anatomy, functioning and treatment of the nervous system.
The term “neuropathologist,” which was actively used in Soviet medicine, also belongs to this category. Now it is considered outdated and incorrect, but sometimes out of habit it is used by individual doctors.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist - a doctor who deals with patients with mild or moderate mental disorders is called a psychotherapist. A prerequisite for his practice is a detailed study of psychotherapy.
The psychotherapist's field of activity is mental disorders caused by childhood traumas, severe stress, or due to genetic predisposition. As a rule, patients treated by this doctor do not have organic or anatomical brain injuries, but exhibit only psychological disorders.
The question often arises as to whether there are differences between a psychologist and a psychotherapist. There is a difference, and it lies in the fact that a psychologist does not have a higher medical education, and therefore can only advise patients, while a psychotherapist has the right to make a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.
Psychiatrist
The scope of his activity is almost the same as that of a psychotherapist, but the psychiatrist also works with cases of the highest severity. A doctor who has studied for 6 years at a medical university and spent 2 years in an internship or is engaged in the activities of a graduate student has the right to work as a psychiatrist.
If a psychotherapist’s treatment methods are predominantly based on speech, and medications are used only as an aid, then the psychiatrist primarily carries out drug treatment and active non-drug therapy. Such methods cause stimulation of brain activity.
What are the treatments for vagus nerve problems?
The vagus nerves both begin in the brain stem, but each then extends down either side of the neck to places such as the heart and intestines. These nerves play a role in regulating breathing, heart rate and digestion.
Patients with vagus nerve disorders may have a variety of symptoms, including low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, difficulty swallowing, and digestive problems. Treatment is often limited to reducing or eliminating symptoms with exercise and short- or long-term medications, but surgery may also be required.
Pacemakers can significantly increase the life expectancy of patients with congenital heart defects.
Vagal exercises typically involve the pharynx, the area of the throat between the mouth and larynx. The patient may also be taught how to massage the soft palate or the area at the top of the mouth. Through a combination of vocalizations, breathing techniques and movements, exercise can stimulate the vagus nerves, thereby relieving some symptoms.
Patients with vagus nerve disorders may experience low blood pressure.
Patients with vasovagal syncope typically experience syncope due to psychological distress, which may be caused by viewing a disturbing scene or emotional shock. This is one of the vagus nerve disorders that can be relieved by medication. Doctors may prescribe drugs to control blood pressure or antidepressants such as sertraline or paroxetine.
Patients with vagal disorder may require the assistance of a pacemaker.
Vagal nerve disorders also include gastroparesis, a disorder in which the stomach does not have enough muscle contractions to move food properly through the intestines. If this is severe, a feeding tube may need to be inserted to get nutrients into the intestines without going into the stomach. If the patient experiences nausea or vomiting, medications such as ondansetron may be helpful. Because of the significant risks associated with drugs like metoclopramide, which is used to stimulate the stomach muscles, doctors usually reserve this option for the most severe cases.
Pharynx exercises may be prescribed to help reduce the risk of problems associated with vagus nerve disorder.
Surgical solutions for these disorders depend on the nature of the symptoms experienced by the patient. Some patients with gastroparesis may be candidates for gastric bypass surgery. If the disorder affects the heart rhythm, it may be necessary to have a pacemaker implanted to regulate heart function.
Although many patients with vagus nerve disorders require little or no treatment, the disorders can pose significant risks. For example, some people may have a vagus nerve disorder, in which the brain never receives a signal notifying it that a person is hungry and needs food. Without a hunger signal, the patient could literally starve.
Many people, having heard the name “vagus nerve”, are interested in why this particular phrase is used. The fact is that several pairs of nerves are connected to the human brain. Each of them is responsible for a specific area of the body, for example, the first, second and eighth - for the difference in sound, smell and light. But the tenth is called wandering.
This pair starts from the cranial region and affects almost all other nerve fibers. They transmit signals to the organs, causing them to become excited. It got its name from the Latin word vargus - its branches are located in the head, cervical, thoracic and abdominal regions, it seems to wander throughout the body.
This pair affects many natural reflexes, such as swallowing, vomiting, coughing, and gastric emptying. In addition, it regulates such important processes as breathing and heartbeat, and also forms the solar plexus.
Reasons for contacting
Depending on the health of a particular person, his temperament and the type of personal reactions, the symptoms of nervous disorders can be very individual. But there are a number of signs that are inherent in most cases:
- long-term sleep disturbance;
- increased irritability and neuroses;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- severe unreasonable anxiety;
- constant desire to sleep;
- a sharp decrease in ability to work and activity;
- absentmindedness;
- difficulty concentrating on a specific action or object;
- noticeable deterioration of short-term memory;
- obsessive thoughts;
- panic attacks.
Often all these signs do not add up to the overall picture and are ignored for a long time by a person who needs the help of a doctor. All of the above signs can be perceived as a change in mood, emotional exhaustion, moral fatigue, etc. But for a specialist, a combination of these signs will indicate a certain disease.
Over time, physical manifestations of the disease are added to the above conditions:
- dizziness;
- severe shortness of breath;
- neuralgia;
- feeling of strong heartbeat;
- difficulty swallowing and enlarged thyroid gland;
- digestive disorders (constipation or diarrhea, stomach pain, flatulence);
- lack of appetite;
- increased body temperature after stress;
- surges in blood pressure.
The most common symptom that accompanies most mental disorders is a severe headache that occurs periodically. In severe cases, it is combined with fainting.
Vagus nerve - symptoms
Given the wide range of functions, damage to the vagus nerve affects the functioning of many systems and organs. The disorder is caused by various factors, including tumors, injuries, surgical interventions, poisoning with toxic substances, infections, and severe chronic illnesses. Symptoms of vagus nerve disease are largely determined by which part of the vagus nerve is affected. Let's consider the probable clinical manifestations depending on the zone:
1. Cranial region:
- systematic intense headaches;
- discomfort in the area behind the ear, in the external auditory canal;
- hearing loss.
2. Neck area:
- swallowing disorder;
- change in voice timbre, hoarseness;
- disorder of speech function;
- difficulty breathing;
- feeling of a lump in the throat.
3. Thoracic region:
- soreness behind the sternum;
- difficulty breathing;
- weakening of the cough reflex;
- heartbeat.
4. Abdominal:
- discomfort in the abdominal area;
- vomit;
- constipation or diarrhea.
Inflammation of the vagus nerve - symptoms
Inflammatory lesions of the vagus, which are often infectious or toxic in nature, are often associated with damage to other cranial trunks. Inflammation of the vagus nerve manifests itself with a variety of signs, the main ones of which are listed above. Be sure to pay attention to such signals as:
- the appearance of a nasal voice (without a runny nose);
- difficulty swallowing food;
- dizziness, which some patients ignore in the initial stage of the disease.
Vagal tone - symptoms
The tone of the tenth pair of cranial nerve plexuses is understood as a condition in which the body ensures normal adaptation processes in response to changes in the environment, physical and emotional stress. The tone of the vagus nerve determines the level of physiological and mental health. If the tone is normal, this is indicated by a slight increase in heart rate when inhaling and a decrease when exhaling, and a predominance of a cheerful mood. People with a low tone score often experience a bad mood, a feeling of loneliness, and heart attacks.
Vagus nerve irritation - symptoms
The vagus nerve can be irritated due to pinching when compressed by vessels or neoplasms in the neck, chest, or less often inside the skull. A separate form of damage is neuralgia of the superior laryngeal nerve, one of the branches of the tenth pair of cranial trunks. Presumably, the pathology is based on pinching of the vagus nerve as it passes through the thyrohyoid membrane. In this case, there are attacks that appear during meals and are characterized by:
- sudden pain in the larynx on one side;
- severe cough;
- general weakness;
- fainting state.
Irritation of the vagus nerve can lead to increased activity of the endocrine glands, resulting in the production of excess gastric and pancreatic juice. There is likely a sharp increase in intestinal motility, which negatively affects the digestion and absorption of food. When the work of the nerve decreases or its paralysis occurs, reverse reactions are observed in the activity of the digestive system.
Causes of nervous disorders
Most people believe that mental and neurological disorders are caused solely by nervous breakdowns and difficult emotional conditions. This is not true at all, the reasons may be:
- injuries resulting in damaged nerves (most often head injuries);
- acute or chronic hypoxia, leading to oxygen starvation of the brain and other tissues of the nervous system;
- osteochondrosis;
- prolonged overheating or hypothermia of the body (in this case, the degree of damage directly depends on the time of exposure to high or low temperatures);
- poisoning with neurotropic substances that selectively affect cells of the nervous system;
- factors that have an aggressive effect on the body - electric current, prolonged vibration, electromagnetic field;
- metabolic disorders with damage to the central or peripheral parts of the brain;
- suffered serious illnesses (most often of the endocrine system);
- hereditary factors - depression, bulimia or anorexia, schizophrenia, alcoholism, severe neuroses or Alzheimer's disease in one of the blood relatives;
- the presence of tumors in the body;
- inflammatory or parasitic diseases of the brain.
How to get an appointment
If the patient understands which doctor to contact, then this must be done as soon as possible. If the patient has doubts, then it is advisable to go to a therapist, who will identify a specialist.
In order to choose a qualified doctor, you need to pay attention to the following features:
- sufficient practical experience in the treatment of nervous disorders;
- an integrated approach to determining the patient’s condition;
- It is desirable to have scientific articles or works in the area that the patient is faced with;
- sufficient initial consultation time (at least 30 minutes).
At the appointment, the doctor will determine the further direction of the examination, if necessary. Having all the necessary data, he will be able to make a diagnosis and prescribe drug or non-drug treatment. If necessary, the patient will be recommended a course of treatment in a hospital.
Can sciatica be treated at home?
Sciatica can be treated at home in almost all cases. The exception is situations when emergency surgery is necessary. For example, if the pinching of the sciatic nerve is associated with a prolapsed intervertebral hernia or gross deformation of the tunnel in the thickness of the piriformis muscle. In all other cases, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, i.e. at home.
An important condition is that before treating sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve) at home, you must consult a doctor who will develop an individual course of therapy. Without supervision from a doctor, treatment of this disease is strictly contraindicated.
Self-treatment only leads to a significant deterioration of the patient’s condition. In some cases, this can cause paralysis of the lower limbs and disability.
Cause of neuroses
To understand which doctor treats neurosis, you need to understand how this disorder arises. The question of why some people develop psychological disorders that cause neuroses has long been the subject of research in medicine.
I. P. Pavlov, a famous Russian scientist, believed that the reason lay in disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. In his opinion, they are caused by excessive tension in the processes occurring in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, this happens not only in humans, but also in animals. This load is caused by exposure to strong and long-lasting external stimuli.
Supporters of psychoanalytic theories have a different opinion on this matter, the most prominent adherent of which is the famous Sigmund Freud. They called the cause of neurosis a psychological conflict caused by dissatisfaction with human needs. And Karen Horney believed that this disorder is formed as a defense mechanism against unfavorable conditions in the social environment.
Today medicine names two main groups of factors leading to neurosis, based on the theories put forward and research conducted:
- Psychological : individual personality characteristics, social environment, stress and psychological trauma.
- Biological : abnormalities in the functioning of the nervous system that cause a predisposition to mental disorders due to psychogenic influences.
There is no universal “formula” for the appearance of such disorders. Therefore, treatment is individual for each person.
What problems does a psychotherapist solve?
A psychotherapist is a specialist with a higher medical education who deals with problems caused by mild to moderate mental disorders.
Trusting relationships play an important role in the success of treatment, because the point of psychotherapy is to search for traumatic situations that happened to the patient. He must be sincere with the doctor and talk about his past, without being embarrassed by ugly details and personal emotions. In short, during the sessions you need to find in the consciousness and subconscious what a person most does not want to remember.
Treatment of neuroses is the competence of a psychotherapist. But if there are biological factors that provoke the disorder, you will need the help of specialists in other fields. This doctor will help you cope with manifestations of psychological disorders, including aggression or depression, anxiety, apathy and depression.
When working with patients, an experienced psychotherapist uses a guide for doctors for neuroses. Typically, interaction takes place in three key directions:
- Psychoanalysis , which allows you to look into a person’s subconscious and consider his needs. Based on the information received, the doctor determines the characteristics of the patient’s psyche and consciousness, studies traumatic factors and situations that occurred in the past. This is how the psychotherapist finds the root of the problem, thanks to which the disorder can be successfully cured.
- Existential psychology is based on the study of human life as a holistic picture. This allows us to determine the patient’s social connections with his loved ones, friends, colleagues and the world around him in general. Relationships with yourself also play an important role.
- Gestalt therapy works with the self-regulation of the patient’s psyche, his ability to control his consciousness and take responsibility for his life.
Methods of work in psychotherapy are varied. The most common of these is conversation. Group classes and hypnosis can also be used.
Drug therapy (mainly using antidepressants) is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of neurosis. It is not required for patients with a mild form of the disorder.
Taking psychotropic drugs only temporarily eliminates the manifestations of the disease, while successful psychotherapy allows you to determine the original cause, work through it and return the person to a full life.
Trigeminal neuralgia
| Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic disease that affects the trigeminal nerve, which innervates the face. If you have trigeminal neuralgia, even something as mild as brushing your teeth or putting on makeup can trigger an attack of excruciating pain. You may experience short, mild attacks at first. But trigeminal neuralgia can progress and lead to longer and more frequent attacks of burning pain. Trigeminal neuralgia occurs more often in women than men and usually occurs in people over 50. Having trigeminal neuralgia does not mean you are doomed to live in pain all the time, as there are various treatment options. Doctors can usually effectively treat trigeminal neuralgia with medications, injections, or surgery. |
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia may include one or more of the following:
|
| With trigeminal neuralgia, the functioning of the trigeminal nerve is disrupted. Typically, the cause is contact between normal blood vessels—arteries or veins—and the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain. This contact puts pressure on the nerve and leads to disruption of its function. Trigeminal neuralgia may occur as a result of aging, or it may be associated with multiple sclerosis or a similar disease that damages the myelin protective sheath on certain nerves. Less commonly, trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by a tumor pressing on the trigeminal nerve. Some people may experience trigeminal neuralgia due to brain damage or other abnormalities. In other cases, the cause may be surgical trauma, stroke, or facial trauma. Triggers A variety of triggers can cause trigeminal neuralgia pain, including:
|
| How to prepare for a doctor's appointment? |
Make an appointment with your GP if you have symptoms similar to those of trigeminal neuralgia. After the initial examination, you may see a doctor trained in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain and nervous system (neurologist). What can you do to prepare?
If you may have trigeminal neuralgia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
In addition to the questions you have prepared, feel free to ask questions at any time during the consultation if you do not understand something. What to Expect from Your Doctor Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions. If you prepare your answers in advance, this will give you more time to discuss the points you want to talk about. Your doctor may ask:
|
Your doctor will diagnose trigeminal neuralgia based primarily on your description of the pain:
Your doctor can perform many tests to diagnose trigeminal neuralgia and determine the underlying causes of your condition, including:
Your facial pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, so an accurate diagnosis is important. Your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other causes. |
| Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia usually begins with medication, and some people do not need additional treatment. However, over time, some patients may stop responding to the medications or experience unpleasant side effects. For these people, injections or surgery are alternative treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia. If your condition is due to another cause, such as multiple sclerosis , the doctor will treat the underlying disease. Medications To treat trigeminal neuralgia, your doctor will usually prescribe medications to reduce or block pain signals sent to the brain.
Surgical intervention The purpose of surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is to eliminate compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel or to destroy the trigeminal nerve to eliminate its malfunction. Nerve destruction often causes temporary or permanent numbness of the face, and with any surgical procedure, the pain may recur months or years later. Surgical treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia include:
Once the neurosurgeon has identified the part of the nerve involved in your pain, you will be returned to a state of sedation. The electrode will then heat up until it destroys the nerve fibers, creating an area of injury (lesion). If pain persists, the doctor may create additional affected areas. Radiofrequency thermal rhizotomy usually results in temporary facial numbness after the procedure. |
Source: //www.zdorovieinfo.ru/bolezni/nevralgiya_troynichnogo_nerva/
What does a neurologist do?
A neurologist helps in cases where neurosis has biological causes . These can be various diseases of the nervous system: the human brain and spinal cord, individual nerves that penetrate the body. She controls all organs.
Very often, patients with neurosis turn first to a neurologist because they are worried about insomnia, headaches, panic attacks and even fainting. Some may complain of very real discomfort in the chest, reminiscent of a heart attack. Such vegetative symptoms are also characteristic of neurosis.
The neurologist conducts the necessary studies and, if necessary, prescribes treatment and preventive procedures. This could be massage, gymnastics and yoga, manual therapy. In some cases, medication and other treatments are indicated. But medical practice shows that 50% of clinical cases when contacting a neurologist require the help of a psychotherapist
Where is the vagus nerve located?
Having heard the term “vagus nerve”, many are interested in why it is called that. In the scientific literature, to define this nerve, you can find the term “vagus”, which comes from the Latin vagus - “wandering, wandering”. This name was given because this nerve trunk is very long, has many branches, spreading throughout most of the human body.
The vagus originates inside the skull, in the medulla oblongata. Passing through the tissues of the neck, through the thoracic region, it branches to the heart and lungs, and then descends through an opening in the diaphragm to the stomach, intestines and other abdominal organs. The vagus nerve is part of twelve pairs of nerves that branch from the brain stem and has a serial number X (10).
CNS: vagus nerve - diagram
The vagus nerve is the largest nerve, it is multifunctional and consists of secretory, motor and sensory fibers. The functioning of the vagus provides many reflexes and vital functions of the body. All its activities are connected with the autonomic nervous system. Here is a partial list of actions and processes controlled by the vagus nerve that show its importance:
- work of the respiratory system;
- act of swallowing;
- speech;
- vomiting reflex;
- cough;
- functioning of the heart muscle;
- gastric activity, etc.
Choosing a doctor for neurosis
If a person suspects he has a neurosis, which doctor should he go to? First you need to go to a psychotherapist. He will assess the person’s condition and, if necessary, refer to specialists of another profile.
In cases where the physiological symptoms of disorders clearly manifest themselves and are repeated regularly, a general examination of the body will be required in order to identify possible diseases in time.
When a diagnosis of “neurosis” is established, the doctor will prescribe treatment that will help the patient get rid of the disease as soon as possible. But you shouldn’t count on a quick recovery: several sessions of psychotherapy, which is the main way to treat psychological disorders, will be needed. Their number is determined individually: depending on the degree of development of neurosis and the personal characteristics of the patient.
Treatment of inflammation of the sciatic nerve: which doctor to contact, stages of therapy
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a disease caused by pathological changes in the vertebrae, tumors of the spinal column, infections, and hypothermia.
The main manifestation of the disease is back pain, radiating along the back of the leg. The severity of the pain syndrome can be so great that a person literally loses consciousness after an unsuccessful turn or sneezing.
When treating the sciatic nerve, the use of medications, physiotherapy methods, and folk remedies will be effective.
articles: Which doctor treats pinching Drugs used Physiotherapy and exercise therapy methods Non-traditional remedies
When to Seek Medical Help
Which doctor treats a pinched sciatic nerve? Neurologists treat this disease. If necessary, the patient additionally consults a vertebrologist, neurosurgeon, vascular surgeon, or rheumatologist.
Treatment of sciatica of the sciatic nerve is a rather long and painstaking process. It includes the following steps:
- normalization of the patient’s lifestyle;
- intensive drug treatment;
- prevention of re-exacerbation of sciatic nerve disease.
It is important to seek medical help when the first signs of inflammation appear:
- pain in the nerve area is accompanied by an increase in body temperature;
- the skin on the back and the back of the leg becomes red and swollen;
- along with the pain, the leg begins to go numb, a feeling of “goose bumps” appears on the skin;
- urinary disorders (urinary retention or incontinence) appear.
Only if you consult a specialist in a timely manner can you count on a faster positive result from the treatment of nerve inflammation.
Treatment regimen
During the acute stage of inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the patient should spend more time in bed. The pain becomes less pronounced if he lies down on a hard surface. The patient is advised to move as little as possible. Sitting, bending and lifting weights are also prohibited, as this provokes increased pain and further injures the damaged nerve.
Use of medications
How is the sciatic nerve treated? The main group of drugs used for inflammation of the sciatic nerve are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide).
This is a fairly large group of drugs according to their mechanism of action, divided into several subgroups. For patients, the medicine is selected individually depending on the severity of symptoms.
These drugs have the following effects on the inflamed nerve:
- reduce pain;
- reduce the severity of inflammation;
- reduce nerve swelling.
How to treat a pinched sciatic nerve with medications? Anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the form of injections, ointments, tablets, capsules, and powder.
In the acute stage of nerve inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs are used in injections. After the symptoms of the disease decrease, they switch to tablets.
If the patient takes medications for a long time, the doctor monitors whether he has any unpleasant painful sensations in the stomach or liver.
When the pain is very severe, the doctor prescribes a nerve block with novocaine. In this case, the medicine is injected with a needle into the lumbar and sacral area. The blockade is contraindicated for people who are allergic to novocaine.
If the means described above fail to relieve pain, resort to muscle relaxants (medicines that relax muscles). By relieving muscle spasms, it is possible to alleviate the patient’s suffering and speed up his recovery.
The treatment regimen must include vitamins. They improve the metabolic processes of nerve cells and accelerate the conduction of nerve impulses. A whole group of drugs (for example, lidase) are used to speed up the healing of a damaged nerve. They do not allow inflammatory adhesions to form.
Physiotherapy
How to treat inflammation of the sciatic nerve using physiotherapy methods? This treatment allows you to speed up the healing process in combination with other treatment methods. They increase blood circulation in the area where the nerve is located, reduce swelling and pain. In the arsenal of a neurologist:
- UVT therapy;
- laser therapy;
- electrophoresis using drugs;
- magnetic therapy;
- paraffin applications.
For electrophoresis, lidocaine, vitamins, and lidase are used. These drugs penetrate through the skin directly to the diseased nerve and exert their effect very quickly. However, the procedure is not possible if the skin is affected by any disease (allergic rashes, pustular diseases).
Infrared laser radiation can relieve tissue swelling in the nerve area and improve blood circulation in small vessels. The laser is used both on the entire diseased area and on individual active points. In this case, biologically active substances are released, metabolic processes are accelerated, and the restoration of normal nerve function is accelerated.
Physiotherapy
Special physical exercises are prescribed only when the manifestations of inflammation subside.
Traditional physical therapy, yoga, oriental qigong gymnastics, and exercises in the pool have proven themselves well.
Physical exercises not only relieve muscle spasms and improve blood supply to the damaged nerve, they help strengthen the muscular frame of the back. This allows you to avoid exacerbations of the disease in the future.
There are several rules for performing exercise therapy exercises:
- they are executed slowly;
- sharp turns and jerks must be avoided;
- if the pain intensifies, stop exercising;
- alternate starting positions - standing, lying on your back, lying on your right and left side;
- repeat each movement 5-6 times;
- start with one round of exercises;
- Gradually increase the number of approaches and the number of exercises per approach.
In each specific case, the doctor selects exercises individually and monitors their effect on the patient’s condition. The expansion of physical activity should also occur under the supervision of a specialist.
From a standing position, the patient slowly bends the torso to the sides, forward and backward. In cases where bending forward provokes increased pain, this exercise is excluded from the complex. Having adapted to the first exercises, you can begin walking with high knees and swinging your legs to the sides.
From the position of lying on his back, the patient begins to try to pull the toes of both legs towards himself. This exercise stretches the muscles in the back of the leg.
It must be performed slowly, gradually increasing the intensity. If it is well tolerated, begin to move the foot in a clockwise direction, then in the opposite direction.
After this, you should raise your legs bent at the knees up, and then straighten your legs.
Turning on his side, the patient continues to perform exercises for flexion and extension of the limbs. Similar movements can be performed while standing on all fours. Exercises in the pool are no less effective, since the patient has to simultaneously perform a certain movement and overcome the resistance of the water. It is better to start yoga under the supervision of an instructor.
Treatment with unconventional means
How to treat a pinched sciatic nerve without medication? Traditional healers offer quite a few recipes for treating sciatica:
- infusions and alcoholic extracts of medicinal herbs;
- bee stings;
- medicinal wraps;
- taking herbal baths.
Thyme, horsetail, viburnum bark, calendula flowers, St. John's wort, and lilac flowers have a good analgesic effect on the inflamed nerve.
Dried and well-ground raw materials can be steamed with boiling water or infused with alcohol. If the patient is not allergic to these plants, they can be used in a mixture. However, the recipe should contain no more than 5 plants.
Mix them in equal proportions. The infusion is prepared at the rate of 1 tbsp. plants per 100 ml of water per dose.
Alcohol extracts are infused for at least 14 days in a dark cabinet. Take the medicine 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day. You should not take the medicine on an empty stomach. This medicine is not suitable for patients who have or have previously had problems with alcohol.
Local procedures
Herbalists widely use black radish to treat inflammation of the sciatic nerve. It is used grated or freshly squeezed juice. The radish is grated on a coarse grater. The patient lies on his stomach.
The skin on the back and leg in those places where it hurts the most is wiped with vegetable oil or baby cream (to avoid burns), and covered with natural fabric. On top of the fabric lay grated black radish, a ball of cellophane, and woolen fabric folded in several layers.
This compress is left for 20-30 minutes. Procedures are carried out daily.
You can apply compresses from an alcohol extract of pine buds and agave leaves ground into a meat grinder. Radish juice with honey, salt and alcohol or strong vodka helps. Radish juice is taken 4 times more than alcohol and honey. This medicine is rubbed on the lower back and back of the sore leg (where the nerve is located).
Treatment with bee products
Patients who do not suffer from an allergy to honey can benefit from a massage with honey diluted with alcohol. Before the procedure, the solution is heated in a water bath and applied to the lower back and leg. The massage is carried out until the skin turns red and the patient feels a pleasant warmth in the leg.
Compresses are made from heated wax. First, they palpate the back and leg and mark the places where it hurts the most. Heated wax is applied to these places and wrapped first in cellophane, then in a woolen scarf. This compress is left for several hours.
The most desperate patients decide to undergo treatment with live bees. Live bees are placed in the most painful areas and forced to sting. This treatment relieves pain and stimulates rapid recovery.
Prevention
To prevent sciatic nerve disease, it is important to make adjustments to your lifestyle. First of all, you need to accustom yourself to lead a physically active lifestyle:
- morning exercises should become the norm at any age;
- Travel by transport should be replaced by walking at every opportunity;
- visiting the pool is a good alternative to passively lying on the couch.
If while working a person is forced to sit in one position for a long time, you should listen to the following recommendations:
- the chair must be orthopedic;
- its height is selected in such a way that the back remains level;
- At the first opportunity, you need to get up and move around a little.
The bed should not be too soft. It is better to sleep on an orthopedic pillow.
Weights must be lifted in such a way that the muscles of the arms and legs are tense. To do this, you need to sit down a little, grab the load, and then just get up with it.
The back will be strained much less than the arms and legs. If you have to carry weights over long distances, they must be evenly distributed between both hands.
If circumstances permit, it is best to carry heavy objects in a backpack on your back.
Source: https://proinfospine.ru/lechenie-vospaleniya-sedalischnogo-nerva-k-kakomu-vrachu-obratitsya-etapy-terapii.html
