Ganglioneuritis is an inflammation of the ganglion (nerve ganglion), which is accompanied by damage to the sympathetic, parasympathetic or sensory nerve fibers related to it.

Reasons

The main reason for the development of ganglioneuritis is an acute or chronic infectious process in the body, which can be caused by streptococci, staphylococci, herpes viruses and other pathogens.

The pathological process from the primary focus spreads to nearby nerve nodes. Depending on which ganglia are inflamed, several types of disease are distinguished: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral ganglioneuritis. In addition, the diagnosis may contain the name of the affected node (for example, pterygopalatine ganglioneuritis, pelvic plexus ganglioneuritis) or indicate the etiology of the disease (staphylococcal, herpetic, postherpetic ganglioneuritis).

Inflammation of the ganglion can lead to:

• chronic pathologies - complicated caries (ganglioneuritis of the pterygopalatine ganglion), adnexitis, salpingitis, oophoritis, prostatitis (sacral, pelvic ganglioneuritis);
• acute diseases - diphtheria, influenza, erysipelas, tonsillitis, scarlet fever.

In rare cases, the pathology is associated with a toxic effect on the body or a tumor process (ganglioneuroma, metastases).

Factors contributing to damage to nerve ganglia:

• overwork;
• hypothermia;
• stress;
• alcoholism;
• surgical interventions near the ganglia.

Symptoms

The main symptom of ganglioneuritis is diffuse pain, which has a burning character and is accompanied by a feeling of pulsation (bloating). The localization of discomfort depends on the location of the node. In some cases, they spread to the entire half of the body or the opposite side. The pain does not intensify with movement, but can become more intense with changes in weather, stress, and eating.

In addition, inflammation of the ganglion is complemented by:

• sensitivity disorder - its decrease (hypoesthesia), increase (hyperesthesia) or paresthesia (numbness, tingling);
• neurotrophic and vasomotor disorders in the area of ​​innervation of the affected node;
• emotional instability, sleep disturbance (with a long course).

Specific symptoms of the disease depend on the location of the inflamed ganglion and the etiological factor.

Symptoms of pelvic and sacral ganglioneuritis in women:

• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• aching pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the perineum and rectum;
• menstrual irregularities, uterine bleeding.

As a rule, pelvic ganglioneuritis is caused by a herpetic infection, so its symptoms can be supplemented by an itchy rash in the form of blisters over the lower back, sacrum, and in the perineal area.

Cervical ganglioneuritis can be upper cervical, lower cervical and stellate. Manifestations of upper cervical inflammation:

• expansion of the palpebral fissure;
• hyperthyroidism due to stimulation of the thyroid gland;
• redness of half the face;
• change in sensitivity above the second rib;
• laryngeal paresis, hoarseness;
• toothache (in some cases).

Ganglioneuritis of the lower sternum and lower back is accompanied by:

• unpleasant sensations and sensitivity disorders in the lower torso and limbs;
• severe pain in the thigh (with involvement of the sciatic nerve);
• vegetative-visceral disorders of the abdominal organs.

Other possible manifestations of ganglion inflammation:

• ganglioneuritis of the pterygopalatine ganglion - shooting pain in the orbit and upper jaw, redness of half the face, lacrimation from one eye, copious discharge from one nasal passage;
• damage to the geniculate node - pain in the ear, radiating to the back of the head and neck, paresis of facial muscles.

Diagnostics

Inflammation of the nerve ganglion is diagnosed by a neurologist based on:

• patient complaints of pain;
• vasomotor and neurotrophic disorders;
• sensitivity disorders;
• other specific symptoms.

In addition, instrumental methods are used:

• radiography of the spine;
• electromyography;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal and pelvic organs;
• Ultrasound of the prostate and others.

To identify the causative agent of the infectious process, serological studies are carried out.

Since the pain syndrome due to inflammation of the nerve ganglion is nonspecific, many patients mistake the symptoms of pelvic postherpetic ganglioneuritis for gynecological pathology and seek treatment from.

Ganglion damage is differentiated from funicular myelosis, spinal tumor, neurosis, and so on.

Treatment

The treatment algorithm for ganglionveuritis is determined by its causes. Etiological therapy is aimed at stopping the inflammatory process. For example, for the treatment of viral pelvic ganglioneuritis of herpetic origin, antiviral drugs are prescribed - Zovirax, acyclovir. If the pathology is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are used.

General directions for the treatment of ganglioneuritis of the lower sternum and other areas:

• analgesics, including intravenous novocaine and blockade in the affected area;
• ganglion blockers, anticholinergics, neuroleptics, antispasmodics - in case of increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system;
• calcium gluconate, calcium chloride, cholinomimetics - with a decrease in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system;
• physiotherapy - ultraviolet irradiation, electrophoresis (with ganglerone, potassium iodide, novocaine), radon baths, mud applications.

If conservative therapy is ineffective, sympathectomy is performed - removal of the affected area of ​​the autonomic nervous system. Depending on the location of the inflamed ganglion, it can be thoracic, lumbar, and so on. As a rule, interventions are carried out in a minimally invasive way - through laparoscopic or thoracoscopy.

Forecast

Ganglioneuritis has a favorable prognosis for life provided adequate treatment. In many cases, therapy continues for a long time, while the patient’s ability to work decreases.

Prevention

The main measures to prevent inflammation of the nerve nodes are timely treatment of infectious diseases and strengthening the immune system.

Print version

Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion is a pathology of the pterygopalatine ganglion, one of the varieties of vegetative ganglionitis and dental syndromes. It also occurs under the name Slunder syndrome (on behalf of the American otolaryngologist who first described the disease). Another name is neuralgia of the pterygopalatine ganglion. The difficulty is that the clinical picture is very extensive. Most often, ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion manifests itself with facial pain (paroxysmal) and disorders of the autonomic system.

The pterygopalatine ganglion (node) is located in the pterygopalatine fossa and is formed from a branch of the trigeminal nerve. Consists of three roots:

• somatic (trigeminal nerve);
• parasimatic (facial nerve);
• sympathetic (plexus of the carotid artery, connected with the ear, cervical nodes, nerve endings of the skull).

Causes of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion

The pterygopalatine node can be affected due to inflammatory processes in the sinuses of the upper or lower jaw (osteomyelitis), the ethmoid labyrinth of the paranasal sinuses. The causes of this disease can also be toxic effects from tonsillitis, local damage (for example, foreign damage to the nose or its mucous membrane), the harmful effects of caries, purulent otitis.

Any infectious foci in the oral cavity can become serious provocateurs of this disease. Provocateurs for the excitation of the disease are overwork or lack of sleep, loud annoying sounds of a constant nature, stress, alcohol abuse or smoking.

Inflammation of the pterygopalatine node can also be caused by maxillary tumors, both benign and malignant.

Symptoms of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion

The disease lasts a long time (months or years), periodically severe exacerbations occur (especially in the autumn-spring period, when the immune system is weakened, after stress or excitement).

One of the first symptoms will be paroxysmal severe pain in half the face, which is accompanied by a burning sensation and shooting. Mostly painful sensations occur in the eye, behind the eye, in the teeth, in the upper and lower jaws, in the bridge of the nose, tongue and palate. The pain syndrome can spread to the occipital area, parotid region, ear, neck, forearm, shoulder blades, even to the fingertips and hand area. The most painful sensations occur in the bridge of the nose and mastoid process. Depending on the severity and duration of the disease, pain may be present for several hours, days or even weeks. Exacerbation of pain syndrome often occurs at night. Patients report sensations of tickling in the nose, sneezing, runny nose, active salivation, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and watery eyes.

A characteristic symptom of this disease is the so-called “vegetative storm,” which manifests itself in the form of swelling and redness of the face, profuse lacrimation and salivation, and shortness of breath. Moreover, saliva is often released so much that it involuntarily flows out of the patient’s mouth. The person is forced to use a towel. Sometimes there is an increase in temperature and secretion from the nose. In some cases, taste bud disorders and asthma-like attacks may occur. At the peak of attacks, the eyes become very sensitive not only to bright light, but also to lighting in general, swelling of the upper eyelid occurs, sometimes intraocular pressure increases and exophthalmos occurs. Often pain points are identified in the inner part of the corner of the eye, the root of the nose. In some cases, paresis of the muscle that raises the soft palate occurs.

Diagnosis of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion

This disease is not easy to diagnose due to its similar clinical picture to other pathologies. For example, similar symptoms are observed in nasociliary nerve syndrome, Sicard syndrome, Charlin syndrome, migraine and temporal arteritis.

It is important to distinguish ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion from various types of facial neuralgia, in which shooting pain is also observed, but is not accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Changes in the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses are very similar to the clinical picture of rhinitis and sinusitis. To exclude these diseases, turundas soaked in a weak solution of cocaine, dicaine or novocaine are introduced into the nasal passages. A change in the nature of pain, its reduction, and partial normalization of autonomic functions can confirm the diagnosis of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion.

The difficulty of diagnosing this disease is explained primarily by the fact that the pterygopalatine ganglion is associated with many nerve structures, which, when inflamed or excited, can give a wide variety of symptoms. When diagnosing this disease, the patient needs to consult several doctors, in addition to a neurologist - otolaryngologist and dentist.

Treatment of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion

• The first task of a neurologist in treating this disease will be to eliminate the inflammatory process in the nose, its paranasal sinuses, the oral cavity, and teeth. For this purpose, anti-inflammatory, ganglion blocking agents are used. This is 1 ml of a 2.5% benzohexonium solution intramuscularly, 5% pentamine. Injections are given three times a day for a month.
• After pain syndromes are eliminated, medications are prescribed to generally strengthen the patient’s body, for example, vitamins B1, B6, B12, aloe, vitreous (immunotherapy). Sedatives are also required.
• To relieve severe pain, if conservative therapy is ineffective, the anesthetics trimecaine or lycocaine are used. In this case, the injection is made directly into the palatine canal. If parasympathetic symptoms are observed in the clinical picture, platifilin and spasmolitin are prescribed. In some cases, the use of glucocorticoids or hydrocortisone phonophoresis is prescribed (physiotherapeutic treatment options).
• If the disease develops as a result of inflammatory processes, then anti-infective therapy is used in the form of antibiotics or sulfonamides. The background of treatment is desensitizing drugs (diphenhydramine, pipolfen).
• To improve the patient’s general well-being, vasodilating antisclerotic drugs are prescribed, and injections are given to improve cerebral and general circulation.
• In severe cases of the disease, radical treatment is used in the form of direct destruction of the pterygopalatine node.

This can be done in one of two ways:

1. Puncture of the pterygopalatine canal from the oral cavity. This method is difficult to perform and can have serious consequences for the patient;
2. Puncture of the pterygopalatine node in the pterygopalatine fossa with access from under the zygomatic arch. With this method, a solution of phenol in glycerin and a concentrated alcohol solution (96%) are injected into the pterygopalatine node.

Relapses of the disease do not always disappear as a result of treatment, but the clinical picture changes significantly. Many symptoms disappear or appear much less frequently. Treatment must be comprehensive, adequate and timely, only in this case a positive result is possible.

Many people are interested in what it is - ganglionitis. This is a disease based on inflammation of the ganglion. This is the name for a nerve cell consisting of nerve cells, their bodies, axons and dendrites. Its shell is made up of connective tissue. If two such nodes become inflamed at once, this condition is called polyganglionitis.

After identifying the symptoms, diagnosing and treating ganglionitis, they begin to use medications and undergo physical procedures.

Reasons

The most common cause of the development of ganglionitis is the penetration of infection, resulting in the beginning of an inflammatory process. The source of infection is local inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx:

• sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, pharyngitis;
• less often - arthritis

Ganglionitis can occur as a result of toxic effects on the nerve ganglion during purulent otitis media. Factors contributing to the occurrence of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion are lack of sleep, overwork, stressful situations, alcohol intake, and loud noise.

Symptoms

Often, the symptoms of ganglionitis depend on the specific cause of the disease. Despite this, there are several common manifestations that occur in many patients: burning pain and unpleasant itching. Patients often develop paresthesia - numbness and tingling of the skin in the area of ​​the inflamed ganglion. If the inflammation is diagnosed as herpetic, blisters appear on the skin, painful when touched. In the area of ​​the spinous processes of the vertebrae, pain may also occur on palpation. The skin in the affected area changes color as well as texture.

Ulcers

Ganglionitis is easy to identify in the most difficult cases of the disease, when ulcers appear on the affected area of ​​the skin, and internal organs lose their functionality due to damage to the nerve nodes. Muscles located in the area of ​​inflammation also undergo degeneration. They weaken and lose their tone. The joints lose their mobility, which is why the patient's reflex speed is reduced. Patients often complain of heart problems and angina, but this is caused by inflammation in the area of ​​the stellate ganglion, which creates false secondary complaints.

Species

Ganglionitis is an inflammatory process occurring in the ganglion. The etiology of this disease is quite extensive - from lesions due to viral infections to post-traumatic inflammation.

The specific symptomatic differences of ganglionitis depend on the localization of the inflammatory process, while the general signs of this disease are: swelling of the affected area, itching, pain.

When considering the types of ganglionitis, one should focus on the following diagnostic features:

1. When ganglionitis is localized in the area of ​​the sternum and upper shoulder girdle, the so-called stellate ganglion is affected. The symptoms and treatment of stellate ganglionitis are very varied and often misleading when making a diagnosis. In this case, the patient may complain of heart pain; after a detailed examination, false angina can be diagnosed.
2. When the disease is localized in the area of ​​the eyeball, inflammation affects the Gasserian node, and symptoms of keratitis, photophobia, swelling in the eye area, and rash are noted. This type of ganglionitis may result from a herpes infection.
3. upper respiratory tract, auditory system and oral cavity (tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, otitis, pulpitis and caries) can provoke ganglionitis in the pterygopalatine node, located in one of the maxillary sinuses. This localization is characterized by pain in almost all parts of the face and head (touching the ears, eye sockets, tip of the nose, temples is painful, sometimes pain even extends to the area of ​​the upper shoulder girdle).
4. A separate type of ganglionitis includes Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, when the lesion is localized in the area of ​​the auricle. It is a consequence of herpetic infection. Symptoms of this type include ear pain and dizziness. It differs from the previous lesion of the pterygopalatine ganglion in the manifestation of paresis of the facial nerve.
5. The symptoms and treatment of cervical ganglionitis are determined by the doctor. As a rule, the disease is a consequence of cervical osteochondrosis; in addition, it can be caused by any of the infections or develop against the background of the clinical picture of tonsillitis. Pain in this type is localized in the area of ​​the shoulder girdle and the back of the head. In addition, additional symptoms of ganglionitis affecting the cervical ganglion may include redness of the face and eyes, asymmetrical appearance of wrinkles on one side of the face, and difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion.
6. Pain directly in the tongue, which then moves to the jaw and further to the temples, neck and back of the head - these are symptoms of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion. Treatment and additional diagnostics in this case are prescribed by a specialized specialist. In addition, salivation increases, the soft tissues of the tongue become hypersensitive, and it is painful for the patient to move the jaws.
7. Ganglionitis of the ciliary nerve ganglion (or Oppenheim syndrome) develops against the background of a herpes infection or as a consequence of chronic untreated sinusitis. Characteristic symptoms for this lesion include lacrimation and localized pain in the area of ​​the eye sockets and temples.
8. There is also herpetic ganglionitis (symptoms and treatment will be determined by a specialist). It is necessary to note the characteristic rash and pain along the nerve endings of the spine.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of the disease is based on the collection of complaints, medical history, clinical manifestations, and instrumental diagnostics.

Patient complaints are varied and depend on the location of the inflammation. The most common concerns are acute paroxysmal pain, swelling and itching of the affected area, increased body temperature, excessive sweating, weakness, loss of strength, and limited movement in the joints.

A survey of the disease history will allow you to establish the cause and begin timely and correct treatment. The patient's body temperature, skin and mucous membranes are objectively assessed, and the affected area is thoroughly examined.

When palpating the projection points of the node, pain and impaired sensitivity are detected. There are no specific tests that can accurately diagnose ganglionitis.

Related diseases

The disease must be differentiated from meningoradiculitis, neuritis, syringomyelia, and neurovascular syndromes. For this purpose, the patient is referred for consultation to a neurologist, ENT doctor and dentist. Pharyngoscopy (examination of the pharynx) and otoscopy (examination of the ear) are used as instrumental research methods. X-ray diagnostics are possible.

After the final identification of symptoms of ganglionitis of the stellate ganglion, treatment is prescribed immediately.

Treatment

Many patients are interested in how to treat ganglionitis. Symptoms and treatment of the disease will depend directly on the degree and severity, localization of the inflammatory process. Drug treatment, physiotherapy, and less commonly surgery are widely used.

Medicinal substances

As already mentioned, the symptoms and treatment of ganglionitis (photos of people suffering from this unpleasant disease are presented in the article) depend on the type of disease. Therapy is purely individual. But everything will come down to physical therapy and medication. The operation requires certain actions; each doctor decides this issue, based on the individual characteristics of each person.

To cure this disease, you will have to undergo a certain course of medications. Namely:

1. Taking Interferon. The body needs antibacterial and antiviral support.
2. Treatment with drugs with desensitizing properties. These include "Diazolin", "Tavegil", "Ketotifen".
3. The course of treatment also involves taking analgesics (Analgin, Indomethacin, Diclofenac).
4. Ganglioblockers will be required. For example, "Gangleron" or "Pentalgin".
5. It would not be superfluous to use vasodilators (Nikoshpan, Thionikol, Papaverine).
6. At some stages, antihypoxants will be required: “Aevit”, “Sodium oxybutyrate”.
7. For better metabolism in tissues and activation of reparative and regenerative processes, Pentoxyl and Petiluracil are suitable. The use of immunomodulators is vital.

Physiotherapy

Any physiotherapy will be aimed at solving a whole range of problems. With ganglionitis, the pain syndrome must first be relieved. The methods used are anesthetic. The problem of intoxication and inflammation needs to be solved. Antimicrobial and antiviral therapy will help here. For inflammatory processes, the anti-exudative method of physiotherapy will help. Any allergic reactions that occur will be eliminated in any available way. To normalize all functions of the peripheral nervous system, they will resort to a method in which all free nerve endings will be irritated. For dystrophy, the trophostimulating method is used. To correct immune dysfunction, immunostimulating physiotherapy will be chosen.

Spa treatment

Sometimes patients are sent simply to rest in a sanatorium. This is done during the final period, when the disease is especially acute. It is carried out only in the complete absence of pronounced disorders of the nervous system and pain. Absolutely any resort is suitable. It doesn't matter if it's mud baths or rocky beaches. The only important thing is the process in which a person gives rest to the nervous system of the body and puts himself in order. It is worth noting that this happens best near the sea due to the salty air.

Prevention

The basis for the prevention of ganglionitis includes timely and correct treatment, prevention of the development of viral diseases.

1. You should lead a healthy lifestyle and give up bad habits, do not eat a lot of fatty and salty foods.
2. You need to exercise every day. Morning jogging will not be superfluous either.
3. Hardening strengthens the immune system well, but don’t immediately douse yourself with ice water. You need to start gradually with light douches in the bath, with rubbing your limbs with a cold and wet towel, and then you can gradually move on to douches in the fresh air, but first only in the warm season.
4. Don't forget about a hat during the cold season. After all, no hairstyle can be more valuable than your own health, and without a hat in winter you can get sick with more serious diseases.
5. To prevent the disease, especially in spring and autumn, you need to strengthen your immune system with vitamins and eat more fruits and vegetables.

It is also important to get vaccinated in advance; it will provide the body with lasting immunity against this disease. During a disease outbreak, you must wear a special protective mask.

Ganglionitis is a serious neurological disease characterized by damage to one or more ganglia. In medical science, the ganglion is called the sympathetic nerve ganglion. Most often, damage to the nerve ganglion occurs due to the spread of infection, in particular, influenza, herpes, etc.

The very fact that the disease affects nerve cells speaks volumes about the danger of the disease, which causes numbness of the skin or unpleasant tingling in places of the anomaly.

Ganglionitis is not a very common disease, however, it has quite a few varieties, which depend mainly on the true root cause, or, in other words, on the type of infection.

Ganglionitis comes in several varieties:

• herpetic
• ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion
• ganglionitis of the stellate ganglion
• Gasserian ganglionitis
• geniculate ganglionitis

As you can see, the types of diseases differ according to infections and local places that the disease affects, namely, nerve nodes located in different places in the body.

Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion affects the area of ​​the upper and lower jaw; as a result, a sick person may experience pain in these places, as well as in the eyes. Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion can cause pain in the teeth and gums. If you do not resort to treatment for a long time, then ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion spreads to the hands.

This once again indicates a very tight relationship between all the nerve nodes in the human body. Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion can also cause rashes in the mouth area. This is a consequence of the inflammation process.

Ganglionitis of the stellate ganglion is accompanied by inflammation in the upper chest. Sometimes, with it, a person can even feel pain in the heart, a disturbance in its rhythm, however, in fact, these sensations are false, since the disease in this case affects only nerve cells.

Ganglionitis of the Gasserian ganglion usually occurs in older people; it occurs against the background of general depression and weakening of the immune system. This disease has practically no cure and is very difficult for the patient. A rash is observed in the area of ​​the eyes and cornea, and a person may experience a phenomenon such as photophobia.

Ganglionitis of the geniculate ganglion mainly affects the hearing organs. In this case, there may be redness in the ear area, rashes inside the ear canals, which leads to weakened hearing, as well as unpleasant feelings and headaches, dizziness, which may possibly be a consequence of hearing problems.

Causes of ganglionitis

As already mentioned, ganglionitis is usually a consequence of a specific pathology or infection. Doctors identify the following causes of ganglionitis:

• flu
• malaria
• herpes virus
• angina
• poisoning of the body with chemical, biological substances, alcohol, drugs
• internal tumors affecting nerve ganglia

One way or another, ganglionitis rarely appears as a separate ailment and very often as the development of rashes, pain, pain due to an existing pathology.

The most common type of ganglionitis can be considered herpetic, based on a serious infection that affects the body. In this case, there is an acute nature of the disease, which immediately begins to manifest itself externally.

In addition to the above reasons, metabolic disorders in the body, as well as osteochondrosis of the spine, can also be risk factors, because its curvature can contribute to compression of the nerves.

Symptoms of herpetic ganglionitis

The symptoms of ganglionitis usually manifest themselves quite clearly, while delivering a lot of unpleasant sensations to the person. Doctors identify several external manifestations that directly indicate damage to nerve nodes in the body:

• itching in the area of ​​inflammation and lesions
• severe pain, sometimes even radiating to the head and limbs
• numbness and tingling of the affected skin areas
• increased sweating, sometimes causeless chills
• deterioration of reflective abilities, sometimes – loss of coordination of movements
• Rashes in the form of red blisters in places of localization of inflammation are not uncommon

It is worth keeping in mind that each type is characterized by a certain set of manifestations, but these symptoms are something common between all types of ganglionitis identified by medicine over time.

Ganglionitis is characterized by a rash of red, dense blisters on the skin, which are unnatural skin formations and touching which causes the patient very severe pain.

Sometimes the skin in the area where the nerve node was affected changes its color, becoming red, scarlet or even purple with bluish tints.

This indicates a disruption in the functioning of the subcutaneous tissues and the activation of the defense mechanism. Muscles located close to inflammation lose their former tone, become weak, and sometimes even atrophy. This then spreads throughout all the muscles of the body, because in the body there is a tight relationship between the nerves.

But the worst thing that ganglionitis can bring with it is a disruption in the functioning of internal organs that are located near the affected ganglion. All of these symptoms, when put together, create a clear clinical picture, which is very convenient for the doctor to identify the final diagnosis.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis of ganglionitis includes clarification of the patient’s complaints and external manifestations, which are expressed in rashes, pain, changes in skin color, etc. However, in some cases, even this may not be enough to recreate the clinical picture.

Therefore, in some cases, the doctor may prescribe an x-ray or otoscopy. Also, when diagnosing a disease, separate consultations with a neurologist, dentist and other doctors may be required.

Treatment of herpetic ganglionitis

Ganglionitis can be cured, although it may take a lot of time and effort. The main thing in treating this disease is not only to get rid of the root cause, but also to remove inflammation of the ganglia, and also try to increase your immunity in order to henceforth protect the body from external viruses.

Treatment of ganglionitis should be comprehensive.

This means that, in addition to taking various medications, the patient needs to exercise, take soothing baths, use folk remedies and, of course, take measures to strengthen the body. It is also recommended to take vitamins.

As you know, ganglionitis can be accompanied by terrible pain, especially when touching the rash. Therefore, the doctor will prescribe medications such as Katadolon or Finlepsin. They relieve attacks of pain. You may also need to take antidepressant medications.

Folk remedies for herpetic ganglionitis include soothing decoctions, herbal teas, pine or mud baths. Their role is also important in recovery. Don't forget about physical activity. They may be insignificant, but even an ordinary walk in the fresh air will produce a certain effect.

Only comprehensive measures can get rid of ganglionitis.

Ganglionitis is a disease based on inflammation of the ganglion. A ganglion is a nerve ganglion that consists of several components - nerve cells, their bodies, axons and dendrites. Its shell consists of connective tissue. If several such nodes become inflamed at once, then this condition is called polyganglionitis.

Reasons

Inflammation of one or more ganglia cannot appear just like that. This is usually caused by other diseases, the most common of which are:

1. Flu.
2. Rheumatism.
3. Malaria.
4. Angina.
5. Herpes zoster.
6. Tumors.
7. Injuries.
8. Intoxication of the body.

But most often the cause of this disease is viruses, so according to statistics, it develops against the background of a herpetic infection. If ganglionitis occurs in the area of ​​the pterygopalatine node, then the main causes here can be considered sinusitis, rhinitis in the chronic stage, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, purulent otitis media.

Manifestations

The symptoms of ganglionitis will depend on its cause. But each type is characterized by such general manifestations as burning pain, which can be paroxysmal, and severe itching in the area of ​​the affected area. Paresthesia, which is a tingling or numbness sensation in the skin over the affected ganglion, may also develop.

Inflammation of a herpetic nature is accompanied by a rash of blisters, the touch of which causes pain. The same pain will occur in the area of ​​the spinous processes of the vertebrae if you try to palpate them. The functioning of internal organs may be disrupted due to damage to the nerve nodes that ensure their uninterrupted functioning. The skin above the affected ganglion itself also changes. It changes color, and in more severe cases, ulcers may form on it. The function of thermoregulation and sweating is disrupted, and swelling of the subcutaneous tissue begins. The muscles that are located nearby begin to weaken and lose their tone. Reflexes also decrease, joints become stiff. If the disease affects the cervical ganglia, then the same symptoms begin to appear on the face, neck and in different places of the head.

With the development of inflammation in the area of ​​the stellate node, pain in the upper half of the chest and false angina may occur.

Ganglionitis of the gasserian ganglion develops due to a decrease in the body's defenses. This disease is much more severe than herpetic ganglionitis, and rashes most often occur in the trigeminal nerve area - on the face, near the eyes. In this case, there is a high risk of developing keratitis, that is, inflammation of the cornea. Other symptoms include photophobia and darkening of the surface layers of the skin. The rashes themselves look like small, barely visible dots.

Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion is characterized by acute pain in the eye area and around the orbits, in the area of ​​the upper jaw and root of the nose, and less often in the area of ​​the lower jaw. In this case, the pain can spread to the temples and even to the arms.

Inflammation of the geniculate ganglion is characterized by inflammation and herpetic rashes in the ear area and pain. Sometimes there may be complaints of dizziness. When the lumbar and lower thoracic nodes are affected, dysfunction of the pelvic and abdominal organs is noted.

Diagnostics

For diagnosis, only the clinical picture and patient complaints are used. No tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is imperative to carry out differential diagnosis with diseases such as:

1. Neuritis of the somatic nerve.
2. Syringomyelia.
3. Meningoradiculitis.
4. Neurovascular syndromes.

When diagnosing, consultations with a neurologist, dentist, or ENT specialist are required. Otoscopy and pharyngoscopy may be required, and sometimes x-ray diagnostics are prescribed.

Drug therapy

Treatment for ganglionitis depends on its symptoms and what is causing the disease. Most often, antiallergic and antiviral drugs are prescribed, as well as immunomodulators that help boost immunity. Treatment must be comprehensive and include taking B vitamins and ganglion blockers, the most effective of which are considered to be ganglerone and pachycarpine.

To treat pain, drugs such as finlepsin, thebantine or catadolone are used. If necessary, treatment can be supplemented with antidepressants.

Novocaine blockades in the affected area help to cope very well with pain. Physiotherapy also helps to cope with inflammation - ultrasound, Bernard currents, radon baths, sulfuric acid baths, therapeutic mud. However, to achieve a lasting effect, it is imperative to cure the main cause of this disease and certainly improve immunity. This is the only way to get rid of ganglion inflammation forever.