Inflammation (neuritis) of the ear nerve. Symptoms and treatment, signs, causes, consequences

Cochlear inflammation is called neuritis auditory nerve. The disease leads to hearing loss, which is caused by damage to the sound-receiving apparatus. Symptoms of neuralgia can be ambiguous, therefore, when a certain complex of symptoms manifests itself, it is necessary to undergo an examination and immediately begin treatment.

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In the course of the disease, acute and chronic inflammation of the auditory nerve are distinguished. In the case of acute neuritis, the disease progresses rapidly - the symptoms appear quickly. Chronic neuralgia of the auditory nerve is slow. In this case, permanent hearing loss is possible. The development of inflammation can be slowed down and treated early.

There are several types of neuralgia of the auditory node:

• primary inflammation ear nerve. The causes of inflammation can be sinusitis, tonsillitis, as well as the action of pathogenic microorganisms on the body. Bacteria enter the organs of the central nervous system, provoking neuralgia;
• secondary inflammation characterized by diseases of the genitourinary system, pneumonia, sepsis. Diabetic polyneuropathy can also be the cause. This type of neuralgia of the ear nerve is the result of the development of another disease, acts as a symptom of the "underlying" disease.

You can also distinguish the types of cochlear neuritis:

• due to the occurrence, congenital and acquired are distinguished. Acquired neuritis has several subspecies: due to mechanical damage, cardiovascular system, poisoning, radiation, as a result of an allergic reaction, due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms;
• by the time of manifestation of the disease, postlingual (typical for patients with developed speech) and prelingual (occurs in infants before speech development) can be distinguished;
• types of neuritis of the auditory nerve according to the degree of damage to the auditory sensory system - peripheral (characterized by disorders associated with the processes of the inner ear) and central;

You can also distinguish 4 degrees of hearing loss. They are characterized by the degree of receptivity to sounds.

Stages and degrees

The auditory nerve is part of the 8th pair of cranial nerves, which are located in conjunction with the vestibular apparatus and other nerves. Often, damage to the auditory nerve can occur simultaneously with damage to the vestibular conductors, so it is impossible to independently determine the exact disease due to the many symptoms.

For acquired inflammation of the nerve, the development of the disease in a few hours and the spread of the pathology to one side is characteristic. Deafness appears in the morning.

For the development of acute inflammation of the ear nerve, 3 days are enough. There are 2 forms of acute inflammation: subacute and chronic. Chronic is divided into 2 stages: stable and progressive.

The progressive stage of chronic auditory neuralgia is characterized by an increase in the effect of pathology on the hearing aid. Over time, the progressive stage leads to complete deafness. The stable stage proceeds sequentially. Symptoms can be stopped and the inflammation can be completely healed.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the ear nerve: the symptoms and treatment of this disease do not depend on the type of neuritis.

Neuralgia of the auditory nerve manifests itself through:

• pallor of the skin;
• nausea, weakness, and headache;
• noises and pains in the ears;
• general hearing impairment;
• increased body temperature, fever;
• involuntary oscillatory eye movements;
• arterial hypertension.

These symptoms can spread to one ear or both. In this regard, unilateral and bilateral pathology is distinguished.

Ignoring the symptoms can lead to hearing problems, as well as complete deafness. Depending on the type of disease, the symptoms are revealed either to a weak degree or more clearly.

Reasons for the appearance

The causes of neuralgia of the aural nerve depend on the subspecies of the acquired disease:

• Toxic neuritis can result from work in a hazardous enterprise, toxic effects of chemical compounds, heavy metals, arsenic gasoline. Allergic reactions to certain medications, antibiotics, aspirin, nicotine and alcoholic beverages are also possible;
• infectious neuritis is associated with the transfer of bacterial diseases (meningitis), systemic infections and the effects of pathogenic microorganisms on the human body (influenza). Neuritis can also become a complication if you ignore the symptoms of otitis media, or improper use of traditional medicine methods;

  

• post-traumatic neuritis. The transfer of injuries and fractures, edema, bruises and hemorrhages to the brain can cause inflammation of the ear nerve. Violation is possible due to exposure to loud sounds, vibration, sudden pressure drops, as well as a sudden decrease atmospheric pressure (for example: in case of violation of the tightness of the cockpit of a flying aircraft or in case of non-observance of the rules of underwater swimming);
• the causes of inflammation of the ear nerve can also become age-related changes. This is influenced by the bringing of chronic diseases in the course of life associated with hearing disorders - bad blood circulation, high blood pressure, as well as related diseases: diabetes mellitus, stroke, atherosclerosis, aging organs. In the case of age-related changes, it is difficult or impossible to restore hearing due to the destruction of the receptors of the auditory system and the vestibular apparatus;
• congenital cochlear neuritis is characterized by pathologies at the genetic level, as well as damage caused during childbirth. Cochlear neuritis is a related disease with biotinidase deficiency. Injuries received at birth can be the result of premature birth or a protracted labor process (in the case of a narrow pelvis of a woman in labor).

The development of cochlear neuritis is most often caused by the influence of pathogenic microorganisms on the natural processes of the body, aging, and also heredity.

The pathology can be transmitted on the female chromosome and, most often, is a related disease (for example: with Alport syndrome), also the appearance of a disease during childbirth is possible when a child is mechanically damaged, or due to a lack of oxygen fetus.

Diagnostics

To detect cochlear neuritis, as well as to determine the type of disease by the frequency of sound, the method of audiometry is used. The study is led by an audiologist. The procedure is a measurement of hearing acuity, as well as an accurate determination of the sensitivity in relation to different frequencies of sounds. The cost of the procedure is from 150 rubles. and higher.

Depending on the type of disease and the reasons for its occurrence, it is also recommended to conduct the following studies:

• with the help of ultrasound of the vessels of the neck, it is possible to identify pathologies associated with circulatory disorders in the cervico-occipital region of the spinal cord. The cost of the procedure: from 2000 to 6000 rubles;
• to exclude diseases of the outer ear and pathology of the tympanic membrane, an otoscopy is performed (a procedure examination of the outer ear and tympanic membrane, during which a frontal reflector and a special tool). The cost is 250 - 10,000;
• an examination by microotoscopy is also possible, during which the tympanic membrane is examined through a microscope. The procedure is aimed at determining the destruction of the organ in the process of mechanical damage, or with a purulent process. The cost of this procedure is 400 - 5000 rubles;
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Because the auditory nerves are dependent on the brain to function, it is recommended that you undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) medical imaging. The procedure is completely harmless, painless, it helps to determine as accurately as possible the inflammation of the ear nerve, symptoms and treatment for different types of disease. The cost of this procedure varies from 1200 to 9000 rubles;
• ultrasound examination of the heart is a safe examination method that has some contraindications. The procedure allows you to give accurate information about the pathology of the cardiovascular system, on which the general condition of the human body depends. The cost of this procedure is 900 rubles. and higher;
• to detect neuritis of the auditory nerve caused by pathogens, it is necessary to undergo an examination biological fluids to determine the exact type of bacteria, as well as their sensitivity to a wide range of antibiotics actions.

The most accurate and correct procedures to determine inflammation of the ear nerve, symptoms and the treatment of this disease are audiometry and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

When to see a doctor

Cochlear neuritis is manifested by pain in the ears, fatigue and fever, therefore, at the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult an otorhinolaryngologist.

In the future, a specialist using audiometry, otomicroscopy and otoscopy will determine the absence or presence of related diseases, as well as diseases associated with pathology of the outer ear and damage to the tympanic membranes.

For any type of neuritis of the auditory nerve, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since with the further development of the disease, complete hearing loss is possible. Audiometry is the first step in determining neuritis, for further determining the cause of the disease, as well as effective methods of treatment, it is necessary to undergo magnetic resonance imaging, or donate biological fluids for check.

It is also recommended to contact specialists of related profiles: neurologist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, traumatologist, neurosurgeon.

Prophylaxis

Prevention of inflammation of the ear nerve consists in avoiding frostbite in cold weather, as well as preventing pathogens from entering the mucous membrane.

In case of illness, it is necessary to quickly neutralize microbes with the help of antiviral drugs in order to prevent diseases from developing. The most dangerous diseases that can provoke neuralgia of the ear nerve are meningitis, otitis media, flu, ARVI.

In some cases, it is impossible to avoid damage to the ear nerve, for example, if the disease is associated with Alport syndrome or is a genetic pathology. Also, during labor, mechanical damage or unforeseen circumstances are possible, which leads to fetal hypoxia. In these cases, prevention of inflammation of the ear nerve does not exist.

It is necessary to periodically undergo a medical examination for inflammation of the ear nerve and other pathologies in the body. It is especially important for people suffering from diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anemia, brain tumors, hypoparathyroidism.

Treatment methods

Inflammation of the ear nerve, the symptoms and treatment of which depend on the type of disease, can be treated with direct antibiotics and traditional medicine. To ensure the correct treatment, it is necessary to visit a specialist consultation and determine the exact type of disease.

Medications

Preparations are selected for the patient individually, based on the cause and type of disease.

The most commonly recommended ones are:

Type of disease	Drug names	Description	Efficiency	How to take, course of treatment	Price
Infectious neuritis	Arbidol	Antiviral agent used to inhibit the growth of pathogens	Increases the body's resistance to inflammatory diseases	Take (adults) 200 mg 4 times in 1 day	From 135 rubles.
Amoxilav	Combined medicine is an antibacterial agent. It is used to treat otitis media, which can be the cause of aural neuralgia	Required when the content of immune cells is low	Take 1 tablet every 8 hours. The course of treatment is 5-14 days	From 105 rub.
Ismigen	Combined immunostimulating drug based on destroyed bacterial cells	Helps reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases, and also makes the course of the disease easier	1 tablet per day. Consume at least 10 days before symptoms disappear	From 600 rub.
Ortofen	Anti-inflammatory drug, also has antipyretic effects	The drug is appropriate in the treatment of acute diseases, promotes exudate removal from the body	Up to 100 mg per day for 1-14 days	From 60 rubles.
Vitamins	Vitamins of different groups are offered as an additional means for the body to make up for the lack of elements. The choice of vitamin depends on the test results.	Helps in restoring the normal state of the skin, nails, increasing immunity and eliminating weakness	The amount is prescribed by a specialist, based on research. The course is also determined by the doctor	The cost depends on the vitamin used
Toxic neuritis	Hemodez	The drug is used for diseases of an intoxicating nature	Successful in the fight against acute diseases. Served through a dropper	Up to 500 ml per day. The course is designed for 1-10 days	RUB 150
Acute inflammation of the ear nerve	No-shpa	Has a powerful antispasmodic effect	Used to relieve pain in acute neuralgia	Consume if necessary within 5-7 days	From 70 rubles.
Cocarboxylase	Improves metabolism, stimulates the growth of new tissues and provides them with energy and substances	Contributes to the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system	The dose is not more than 50 mg per day. The course is 10 days	120 RUB
Hypothiazide	The drug prevents water retention in tissues and stimulates excretion from the body	It is an auxiliary agent, effective in combination with other drugs and procedures	The dosage is selected individually	From 90 rubles.
Traumatic neuritis	Pentalgin	Modern analgesic, also anti-inflammatory	Allows to eliminate pain, which is necessary for traumatic neuritis	No more than 4-5 tablets per day. Take within 5 days	from 60 rubles.
Disease in the elderly	Nootropics	Neurometabolic stimulants affect the nervous system

It is dangerous to use drugs without a doctor's prescription. When symptoms of nerve inflammation appear, it is necessary to undergo an examination to identify the exact type of disease.

Traditional methods

Inflammation of the ear nerve: symptoms and treatment should be checked with a specialist. Traditional medicine cannot be the main method; with the help of home remedies, symptoms can be eliminated and an auxiliary effect can be provided.

The most effective recipes:

1. Dry chamomile (80 g) must be poured with water (2 tbsp) and boiled for 10 minutes. The broth has an anti-inflammatory effect, soothes. Drink 3 tablespoons of filtered broth. per day.
2. 20 grams of dry mint must be boiled in 200 ml of water. The filtered broth must be applied 2 times a day (100 ml each). The tool has a beneficial effect on the nervous tissue, relaxes the muscles.
3. Geranium. A geranium leaf compress applied to the affected nerve area soothes pain and relieves stress.

These products can be easily found at the pharmacy. For the preparation of funds, willow bark, yarrow are also used.

Other methods

It is possible to eliminate neuralgia of the ear nerve by surgery through implantation. Cochlear implantation allows you to restore hearing by installing a device inside the auricle that stimulates the auditory nerve. The minimum cost of the procedure is 400,000 rubles.

The beneficial effect can be achieved through the use of physiotherapy treatments. The reflexology method consists in influencing certain points in different ways (using needles, temperature). The procedure is effectively used for pathologies of the nervous system. The cost of the procedure is from 150 rubles. and higher.

Possible complications

The most deplorable complication of neuralgia of the aural nerve is deafness. In the case of acute illness, total hearing loss can be prevented. It is necessary to notice the symptoms in time and start the correct treatment. Chronic illness slowly leads to deafness. To slow down the process, it is necessary to maintain the state of the nervous system with drugs and other therapies.

Inflammation of the ear nerve is a serious condition that can be confused with symptoms of a cold or other mild illness. In the case of neuralgia, treatment should be started immediately to prevent the development of deafness.

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Treatment for auditory nerve neuritis: