Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node treatment by surgery. Symptoms and treatment of ganglionitis. Ganglionitis of the cervical nodes

Many are interested in what it is - ganglionitis. This is a disease based on inflammation of the ganglion. So called 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, such a condition is called polyganglionic.

After determining the symptoms, diagnosing and treating ganglionitis, they begin to use medications and undergo physiotherapy.

The reasons

The most common cause of ganglionitis is the penetration of infection, resulting in an inflammatory process. The source of infection are 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 node in purulent otitis media. Factors contributing to the occurrence of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion are lack of sleep, overwork, stressful situations, alcohol intake, 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 pains and unpleasant itching. Often, patients develop paresthesia - numbness and tingling on the skin in the area of ​​​​the inflamed ganglion. If the inflammation is diagnosed as herpetic, vesicles 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 its color as well as texture.

ulcers

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

Kinds

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

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

Considering the types of ganglionitis, one should dwell on the following diagnostic features:

1. With the localization of ganglionitis in the region of the sternum and upper shoulder girdle, the so-called stellate node is affected. The symptoms and treatment of stellate ganglionitis are very variable and often misleading in making a diagnosis. In this case, the patient may complain of heart pain, after a detailed examination, false angina pectoris can be diagnosed.
2. When the disease is localized in the region of the eyeball, inflammation affects the Gasser node, while symptoms of keratitis, photophobia, swelling in the eye area, and a rash are noted. This type of ganglionitis can be the result of a herpes infection.
3. upper respiratory tract, hearing aid and oral cavity (tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, pulpitis and caries) can provoke ganglionitis in the pterygopalatine node located in one of the maxillary sinuses. This localization is characterized by soreness in almost all parts of the face and head (painful touches to the ears, eye sockets, tip of the nose, temples, sometimes pain even descend to the area of ​​​​the upper shoulder girdle).
4. Ramsey-Hunt syndrome can be attributed to a separate type of ganglionitis, when the focus is localized in the region of the auricle. It is the result of a herpetic infection. Symptoms of this type include ear pain, dizziness. It differs from the previous lesion of the pterygopalatine node by the manifestation of paresis of the facial nerve.
5. Symptoms and treatment of cervical ganglionitis are determined by the doctor. As a rule, the disease is a consequence of cervical osteochondrosis, in addition, any of the infections can be caused or develop against the background of the clinical picture of tonsillitis. Pain in this form is localized in the region of the shoulder girdle, the occipital part of the head. In addition, additional symptoms of ganglionitis of the cervical node may be redness of the face, eyes, asymmetrical appearance of wrinkles on one side of the face, difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion.
6. Pain directly in the tongue, which at the same time passes into the jaw and further into the region of the temples, neck and occiput - these are symptoms of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion. Treatment and additional diagnostics in this case is prescribed by a specialized specialist. In addition, salivation increases, the soft tissues of the tongue become hypersensitive, and it hurts the patient to move his jaws.
7. Ganglionitis of the ciliary ganglion (or Oppenheim's syndrome) develops against the background of a herpes infection or as a consequence of chronic untreated sinusitis. The characteristic symptomatology for this lesion is expressed in lacrimation, localization of the pain syndrome in the region of the orbits and temples.
8. There is also herpetic ganglionitis (symptoms and treatment will be determined by a specialist). It should be noted 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, anamnesis of the disease, clinical manifestations, and instrumental diagnostics.

Complaints of patients are varied and depend on the localization of inflammation. Most often, acute paroxysmal pain, swelling and itching of the affected area, fever, excessive sweating, weakness, loss of strength, restriction of movement in the joints are of concern.

A survey of the history of the disease 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, a thorough examination of the affected area is performed.

Palpation of the projection points of the node reveals soreness, impaired sensitivity. 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 a consultation with a neurologist, ENT doctor and dentist. As instrumental research methods, pharyngoscopy (examination of the pharynx) and otoscopy (examination of the ear) are used. It is possible to carry out x-ray diagnostics.

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, less often surgical is widely used.

medicinal substances

As already mentioned, the symptoms and treatment of ganglionitis (photos of people suffering from this unpleasant ailment are presented in the article) depend on the type of disease. Therapy is purely individual. But it will all come down to physiotherapy and medication. The operation requires certain actions, this issue is decided by each doctor, based on the individual characteristics of each.

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

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

Physiotherapy

Any physiotherapy will be aimed at solving a whole range of problems. With ganglionitis, you must first stop the pain syndrome. The methods used are anesthetics. It is necessary to solve the problem of intoxication and inflammation. Antimicrobial and antiviral therapy will help here. In inflammatory processes, the anti-exudative method of physiotherapy will help. Allergic reactions that occur will be removed in any way possible. In order to normalize all the functions of the peripheral nervous system, they will resort to a method when all free nerve endings are irritated. From dystrophy, a trophostimulating method is used. Immunostimulating physiotherapy will be chosen to correct immune dysfunction.

Spa treatment

Sometimes patients are sent simply to rest in a sanatorium. This is done at the time of 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. Resorts are suitable for absolutely any. It doesn't matter if it's mud baths or a rocky beach. The only important thing is the process in which a person will give rest to the nervous system of the body, put himself in order. It should be noted that this happens best by the sea because of the salty air.

Prevention

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

1. You should lead a correct lifestyle and give up bad habits, do not eat a lot of fatty and salty foods.
2. You need to exercise every day. Morning runs will not be superfluous.
3. Hardening strengthens the immune system well, but you should not immediately douse yourself with ice water. You need to start gradually with light douches in the bath, with rubbing the limbs with a cold and wet towel, and then you can smoothly move on to dousing in the fresh air, but at first only in the warm season.
4. Do not forget about the hat in the cold season. After all, no hairstyle can be more expensive 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 the immune system with vitamins, eat more fruits and vegetables.

It is also important to get vaccinated in advance, it will provide the body with strong immunity against this disease. During an outbreak, a special protective mask must be worn.

Ganglioneuritis is a severe neurological disease in which inflammatory processes affect the ganglion and its associated nerve trunks (peripheral nerves and nerve sensory nodes). The second name of this disease is ganglionitis. Inflammation can spread not to one sympathetic node, but to several at once (polyganglionic or truncite). Sometimes inflammation of the sympathetic nodes occurs in combination with an inflammatory process in the spinal nerve fibers. In this case, ganglioneuritis is differentiated as ganglioradiculitis.

In some cases, the inflammatory process affects the nerve nodes, which include nerve fibers of various types - parasympathetic, sympathetic, sensitive. The most common of these are ganglioneuritis of the geniculate node and ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node. And in the process of progression of the disease, different ganglia can be affected.

Based on this, the disease is divided into several types:

• sacral;
• cervical (lower cervical, upper cervical, stellate);
• chest;
• lumbar.

Causes of ganglioneuritis

The very first cause of this disease is an infectious process. The causative agents can be:

• acute infections: measles, dysentery, sepsis, diphtheria, tonsillitis or influenza;
• chronic infectious diseases (syphilis, tuberculosis, rheumatism).

Complicated dental caries can serve as the cause of ganglioneuritis of the pterygopalatine node, and adnexitis or prostatitis (in men) can provoke sacral ganglionitis. In rare cases, ganglioneuritis can be triggered by a tumor (ganglioneuroma or secondary metastatic process), then the disease is toxic in nature.

Risk factors in the occurrence of ganglioneuritis will be nervous overexertion, hypothermia, constant overwork, alcohol dependence, operations that were performed in the ganglia.

Common symptoms of ganglioneuritis

Symptoms of ganglioneuritis depend on the level of the lesion, it has a complex clinical picture. Pain will be the main symptom in the clinical picture. The pain is characterized by a strong burning sensation and arching character, patients also note a feeling of pulsation.

Patients often cannot pinpoint the source of pain because the disease is diffuse. Patients describe pain in the entire half of the body, focusing on the fact that pain is permanent and does not change with movement. Increased pain occurs with a change in weather, transferring stressful situations, after eating.

In addition to the pain syndrome with ganglioneuritis, there is also a loss or partial impairment of sensitivity in the form of hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity) or vice versa hypesthesia (decreased sensitivity). Sometimes there is also paresthesia (a feeling of numbness, a feeling of "goosebumps", tingling or lethargy).

There are cases of neurotrophic and vasomotor disorders, which are expressed in the area of ​​localization of the affected ganglion and associated nerve fibers. If the disease is of a long-term nature, there may be sleep disturbance, emotional instability, the development of neurasthenia, asthenia, and hypochondriacal syndrome.

Symptoms of certain types of ganglioneuritis

The localization of the inflammatory process determines the degree of complexity of the disease. The classification of ganglioneuritis depends on the group of affected sympathetic ganglia.

Ganglioneuritis of the upper cervical node

The clinical picture in ganglioneuritis of the upper cervical ganglion is characterized, first of all, by the symptoms of the Bernard-Horner syndrome. The inflammatory process in this ganglion provokes the development of the Pourfure du Petit syndrome (enlarged palpebral fissure, exophthalmos). The inflammatory process affects the functionality of the thyroid gland and excites the appearance of hyperthyroidism. There are secretory and vasomotor disorders (hyperhidrosis, redness in half of the face, lowering intraocular pressure). Sensitivity disturbances are observed in the area of ​​the second rib. Perhaps a change in voice or paresis of the larynx. Sometimes patients feel a strong pain syndrome extending to the jaw area. Due to the inability to identify the exact source of pain, people often mistakenly resort to dental treatment, which for known reasons does not give any results.

Ganglioneuritis of the lower cervical node

With this type of ganglioneuritis, a more extensive sensitivity disorder is observed (it extends to the sixth rib and to the arm). When the hand is affected, there is a decrease in muscle tone, a change in skin color on the surface of the entire hand or on the fingertips. There is also a violation of reflexes - correlative, conjunctival, maxillary, pharyngeal, carporadial. Sometimes there is a lowering of the auricle from the side of the affected node.

Ganglioneuritis of the stellate ganglion

The clinical picture is characterized by the presence of pain in half of the chest on the side of the inflamed node. Violations of sensitivity and motor reflexes are observed in the fingers. Especially noticeable is the violation of motor skills in the fifth finger of the hand located in the affected area. The area of ​​pain, loss or disturbance of sensitivity has a so-called "half-jacket" appearance. Often, the pain extends to the chest area, therefore it resembles angina attacks and must be differentiated from coronary heart disease.

Ganglioneuritis of the upper thoracic sympathetic nodes

This type of ganglioneuritis manifests itself in the form of pain and sensitivity disorders, as in previous cases. But a characteristic difference will be disorders of the vegetative-visceral system. There is shortness of breath, symptoms similar to the clinical picture in coronary heart disease.

sacral ganglioneuritis

Pain syndrome is characteristic. Symptoms may be accompanied by itching of the genital organs, often diagnosed as a gynecological disease. Women sometimes experience menstrual irregularities or uterine bleeding.

Ganglioneuritis of the pterygopalatine node

The inflammatory process occurs in the pterygopalatine node, therefore, neuralgic symptoms of inflammation of the second branch of the trigeminal nerve (near the bridge of the nose and upper jaw) are observed. In the clinical picture, there is hyperemia of the affected part of the face, secretion from the nose (in the affected half) and lacrimation from the eye.

Ganglioneuritis of the geniculate node

There is pain in the ear, seizures and pain spreading to the occipital region, cervicofacial zone. On the affected part of the body, paresis or neuritis of the facial nerve with facial expression disorders can be observed.

Diagnosis of ganglioneuritis

Diagnosis of ganglioneuritis is a complex process, since the symptoms of the clinical picture are similar to a number of other diseases (otitis media, coronary heart disease, oncological formations, spinal formations, circulatory disorders, various types of neurosis, etc.). The difficulty also lies in determining the variation of ganglioneuritis, since the symptoms of its various types are very similar. Untimely or incorrect diagnosis can significantly worsen the patient's condition, slow down the treatment process and, accordingly, lead to disappointing prognosis.

If at least some of the above symptoms appear, you should seek the advice of a neurologist. The initial diagnosis of ganglioneuritis usually occurs on the basis of an analysis of the clinical picture from the words of the patient and examination of the patient, identifying signs of vasomotor and neurotrophic disorders, and sensitivity disorders.

Hardware diagnostics of ganglioneuritis

Thoracic and sacral ganglioneuritis is especially difficult to differentiate, and for the accuracy of the diagnosis, the patient undergoes a long examination for the presence of somatic diseases. For this, consultations of a gynecologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, and phthisiatrician are prescribed. In order to exclude a number of diseases, X-ray of the spine, electromyography, MRI and CT can be prescribed.

The inflammatory process often causes changes in the somatic organs, so the patient undergoes MSCT or ultrasound of the abdominal organs, genitals, prostate in order to identify these pathologies.

Treatment of ganglioneuritis

In the treatment of ganglionitis, anti-allergic drugs are prescribed, a course of antibiotic treatment is attributed (if the etiology of ganglioneuritis is of a bacterial nature).

Analgesics are indicated to relieve pain. In some cases, with severe pain and the ineffectiveness of analgesics, novocaine is administered intravenously or paravertebral blockades with novocaine are performed in the affected area or sympathectomy is performed (surgical removal of the affected ganglion, which is used if none of the methods of pain relief is ineffective).

Depending on the nature of the disease, anti-infective therapy may be prescribed. With a viral etiology of the disease, antiviral drugs and gamma globulin are prescribed. With the defeat of the sympathetic system, cholinomimetic drugs, gluconate and calcium chloride can be prescribed.

For the treatment of this disease, physiotherapy is widely used, which sets itself the task of stopping the pain syndrome and the inflammatory process, and correcting disorders of the autonomic system. Removal of the pain syndrome occurs with the help of transcranial electroanalgesia, drug electrophoresis of anesthetics. The relief of intoxication is carried out by low-intensity UHF therapy. Antiviral methods consist in the passage of the patient's UV radiation, etc. To restore the peripheral functions of the body, darsonvalization procedures, mustard and turpentine baths are attributed. Emerging allergic reactions are eliminated with the help of anti-allergic procedures - local aerosol therapy with the use of antihistamines, nitrogen baths.

With proper diagnosis and adequate treatment, the prognosis is favorable for life.

Prevention of ganglioneuritis consists in the timely treatment of various inflammatory processes in the body, viral and infectious diseases. Sports are very important. Proper nutrition, long walks in the fresh air, quitting smoking and alcohol are the best guarantors of health.

Inflammatory lesion of the pterygopalatine ganglion of predominantly infectious etiology. Pterygopalatine ganglionitis is manifested by pain attacks in the affected half of the face, which are accompanied by vegetative symptoms (lacrimation, redness of the skin, swelling, salivation). Diagnosis of the disease is based on its clinical picture and the exclusion of other causes of facial pain. Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node is treated with the complex use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, ganglioblocking and antiallergic drugs; lubrication of the nasal cavity with dicaine solution; physiotherapeutic means (UHF, electrophoresis, DDT, mud therapy).

General information

The pterygopalatine node is located in the pterygopalatine fossa, located in the infratemporal region. It is formed by 3 roots: sensitive - formed by branches from the maxillary nerve (II branch of the trigeminal nerve), sympathetic - represented by a branch of the internal carotid plexus and parasympathetic - a large stony nerve, which is a branch of the facial nerve. Branches emanating from the pterygopalatine node innervate the orbit, the lacrimal gland and the sphenoid sinus (orbital branches); nasal mucosa and ethmoid sinus (nasal branches); soft and hard palate, maxillary sinus (palatine branches).

Causes of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node

Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node most often develops as a result of the penetration of infectious agents into the node, causing the development of an inflammatory process in it. The source of infection is often local inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx: sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, pharyngitis; less commonly, arthritis of the temporomandibular joint. Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion may occur as a result of toxic effects on the nerve ganglion in chronic tonsillitis, chronic purulent otitis media. Factors contributing to the occurrence of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion are lack of sleep, overwork, stressful situations, alcohol intake, loud noise.

In some cases, ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion acts as a neurostomatological complication in dental caries, accompanied by the development of pulpitis and periodontitis. Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node can be observed against the background of common infectious diseases: SARS, herpes infection, tuberculosis, rheumatism. The occurrence of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node is possible as a result of trauma with damage to the structures of the pterygopalatine fossa.

Symptoms of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node

The basis of the clinical picture of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion is a spontaneous attack of intense facial pain. Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node is never manifested by pain syndrome, limited to the region of the node. Multiple anastomoses of the pterygopalatine node of its roots and branches cause a variety of localization of pain and its widespread nature. The dominant pain is in areas that are innervated directly by branches from the pterygopalatine node: in the eyeball, upper jaw, at the base of the nose, in the hard palate. Sometimes pain extends to the area of ​​the gums and / or teeth of the lower jaw. Often ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node is accompanied by irradiation of pain in the occipital region, neck, auricle, temple, less often in the shoulder, forearm, and sometimes even in the hand. Anastomoses of the pterygopalatine node with nodes of the sympathetic trunk in some cases lead to the spread of pain to the entire half of the body.

An attack of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion is accompanied by pronounced vegetative disorders, which are manifested by swelling and redness of the affected half of the face, lacrimation, secretion of a large amount of saliva and abundant secretion of liquid secretion from the corresponding half of the nose. For pronounced vegetative symptoms, ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node was called "vegetative storm".

An attack of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node can have a different duration from minutes to several hours and even days. Most often, these attacks occur at night. In the post-attack period with ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion, mild vegetative symptoms may persist. Pterygopalatine ganglionitis has a chronic paroxysmal course and can last for years. For him, exacerbations are typical in spring and autumn. They can be triggered by an acute respiratory viral infection, hypothermia, a stressful situation, a decrease in immunity, or weather changes.

Diagnosis of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node

To establish the diagnosis of "Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node" allows a vivid clinical picture of the disease. To confirm the diagnosis, the posterior regions of the nasal cavity are lubricated with a 0.1% solution of dicaine and adrenaline. If this procedure allows you to stop the pain attack, then the ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node is confirmed.

It is necessary to differentiate ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion from other diseases accompanied by facial pain (prosopalgia): trigeminal neuralgia, inflammatory diseases of the ear (otitis externa, acute otitis media, mastoiditis), dental pathology (acute toothache, pulpitis, periodontitis). In the process of diagnosis, it is necessary to identify or exclude the presence of an inflammatory focus, which can serve as a source of infection of the pterygopalatine node and support the inflammatory process in it. For this purpose, consultations of a neurologist, dentist, otolaryngologist, otoscopy and pharyngoscopy, radiography of the paranasal sinuses and radiography of teeth can be carried out.

Treatment of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node

In the complex treatment of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion, measures to relieve the pain syndrome come first. They include the introduction of turundas with novocaine into the nasal cavity and the lubrication of the nasal cavity with dicaine. Sharply pronounced pains are an indication for the appointment of ganglioblockers (azamethonium bromide, benzohexonium), in especially severe cases, blockade of the pterygopalatine node with anesthetics (lidocaine, novocaine, etc.) is performed.

Treatment of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node of infectious and inflammatory etiology is combined with the use of anti-infectious (antibiotics) and anti-inflammatory drugs. An effective way to treat ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node is the introduction of a hydrocortisone solution into the region of the pterygopalatine node. Antiallergic drugs (chloropyramine, loratadine, desloratadine) must be prescribed. The use of fortifying agents, vitamins of group B is shown.

Antispasmodics, neuroleptics, antidepressants, anticholinergics, etc. may be included in complex therapy according to indications. Elderly patients are recommended to take vascular and anti-sclerotic drugs that improve cerebral and cardiac circulation. Of the physiotherapeutic methods of treatment, the most effective for ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node are UHF, DDT, endonasal electrophoresis of novocaine, mud therapy, massage of the muscles of the face and neck.

It should be noted that the complex treatment of ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion in most cases can reduce the severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease. However, not in all cases it is able to save patients from relapses of the disease.

In the human body there are many nerve bundles called ganglia. They are a concentration of neurons (nerve cells) and their processes with an outer layer of connective tissue. Inflammation of the ganglion in the sympathetic section is called ganglionitis and such a pathology manifests itself with various symptoms (pain, itching, etc.), which depend on the cause of the appearance.

Often this pathological process is combined with damage to distant (peripheral) nerve tissues, and in this case the disease is called ganglioneuritis. If the damaged node is localized on the sympathetic trunk and at the same time the root of the spinal cord is injured, then in medicine this phenomenon is called ganglioradiculitis. Multiple lesions of the nerve plexuses (polyganglionic) are rare and require urgent treatment. The course of therapy should be aimed at eliminating the cause and relieving symptoms.

Ganglionitis develop due to many reasons. Basically, they are infectious in nature, namely:

• Malaria;
• Measles;
• Scarlet fever;
• Sinusitis;
• Otitis;
• Flu;
• Herpes;
• Rheumatism;
• Oncological diseases;
• Injuries;
• Angina;
• Intoxication.

Most of the developmental factors are various types of viruses, and the most common culprit is herpes. However, it does not always become the main cause, for example, ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node develops due to chronic infections such as sinusitis, otitis media, etc.

Symptoms

There are many different forms of the disease. They are divided according to the causes of occurrence, and you can distinguish one type from another by knowing their symptoms:

• Herpetic ganglionitis. The main sign of the development of this form is the appearance of painful vesicles and pain when feeling the spinous processes of the spine. More often, the patient's thermoregulation is disturbed, reflexes and joint mobility decrease, subcutaneous tissue swells, and nearby muscle tissues weaken. Rarely, ulcers develop on the skin immediately above the ganglion;
• Ganglionitis of the gasser node. This type of disease is characterized by a rash in the region of the facial nerve, inflammation of the cornea, fear of light and darkening of the skin, localized above the site of injury. Rashes are usually almost imperceptible and they appear as small dots;
• Pterygopalatine ganglionitis. Such a pathology manifests itself in the form of attacks of severe pain, localized mainly in the head region (face, mouth, neck, etc.). Sometimes the disease of the pterygopalatine node gives discomfort to the hand. The connection of this plexus with the sympathetic department only aggravates the situation and the pain can spread to half of the body. Attacks of this form of the disease are usually accompanied by disorders in the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion affects the appearance of other symptoms, such as tearing and excessive secretion of saliva and mucus from the nose. In rare cases, the patient during the attack turns red half of the face, and after it there is a slight residual discomfort. More often, such seizures are observed in the late afternoon, and their highest frequency is in autumn and spring. The pathology of the pterygopalatine node can be triggered by the slightest cold, and in some cases, patients suffer from this disease for years;
• Ganglionitis of the geniculate node. This type of pathology is usually manifested by a rash localized in the region of the auricle. In its appearance, it looks like bubbles that cause pain on palpation. Patients experience pain in the affected area and dizziness often occurs;

• Ganglionitis of the stellate ganglion. This form of the disease is manifested by pain in the chest from the damaged ganglion, so it resembles an angina attack. Sometimes the pain radiates from the hand and the motor skills of the fingers are disturbed;
• Disease of the upper cervical node. This type of lesion is characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones. In people suffering from this form of the disease, the face turns red, sweating increases, metabolism accelerates, intraocular pressure decreases and the palpebral fissure expands. There is a possibility of developing paresis (weakening) of the muscle tissues of the larynx, which is why the voice is noticeably hoarse. Pain can sometimes be given to the oral cavity, so many patients treat their teeth in the hope of getting rid of the problem;
• Lower cervical node. People suffering from this type of ailment feel a decrease in tone and reflexes in the upper limb. There were situations when the auricle on the side of the damaged ganglion slightly sank in patients;
• Ganglioneuritis of the upper thoracic sympathetic nodes. It is characterized by the development of autonomic disorders and impaired sensitivity in the affected area. This process is accompanied by pain localized in the region of the heart, breathing problems and palpitations;
• Ganglioneuritis of nodes located in the lower part of the thoracic region and in the lower back. People with this type of disease suffer mainly from pain and trophic changes in the lower half of the trunk. They have sensory and vascular disorders in the innervated parts of the body, as well as malfunctions of the abdominal organs;
• sacral ganglioneuritis. Because of this form of the disease, patients have problems with urination and the functions of the genital organs. In women, against the background of the development of the sacral type, the menstrual cycle often goes astray.

Diagnostics

To diagnose the pathology, it will be necessary to differentiate ganglionitis among other similar diseases (syringomyelia, meningoradiculitis, etc.). This can be done, but for this you should consult with other specialists, for example, an ENT, dentist and neurologist. After the examination, they prescribe pharyngoscopy, fluoroscopy, otoscopy and other instrumental examination methods to see the cause of the pathology.

Course of therapy

The treatment regimen is compiled depending on the factor that influenced the development of the disease. It often includes the following:

• Antiallergic drugs;
• Immunomodulators;
• Antiviral medicines;
• Vitamin complexes, especially group B;
• Ganglioblockers of the Pahikarpin type;
• Antidepressants.

Additional therapies include the following:

• Blockade of the ganglion node by introducing novocaine into damaged nerve tissues;
• Ultrasound;
• Sulfate and radon baths;
• Healing mud;
• Bernard current.

Complications

Any pathology associated with the nervous system leaves a mark. The main complication of ganglionitis is postherpetic neuralgia. It is characterized by a strong burning sensation in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdamage. It is aggravated by palpation and any other contact, for example, with water, a towel, etc. There have been cases when such a complication tormented patients for 2-3 years after the course of therapy.

Sometimes there is a slight weakening of muscle tissue in the place where the pathology was localized. The consequences can last a lifetime. In the absence of treatment, patients developed zoster myelitis and encephalitis.

Prevention

Preventive measures serve to prevent relapses and speed up the recovery period. The methods are extremely effective if combined with a healthy lifestyle. A person should fully sleep, give up bad habits, play sports and properly compose their diet.

There are 2 types of prevention:

• Primary. It includes methods and procedures aimed at improving the immune system to prevent the development of pathology. The best effect is shown by ultraviolet irradiation and hardening of the body. The first method is prescribed by the attending physician, and before using the second method, a specialist consultation is required;
• Secondary. It consists of physiotherapy procedures (UHF, microwave, mud baths, etc.) and folk therapies that are designed to prevent relapses. The duration of the course is compiled by the attending physician.

Ganglionitis is unpleasant and people suffer from it for a long period of time. Left untreated, this disease can leave behind consequences that depend on its severity and cause. It is possible to avoid such a fate due to the timely course of therapy and compliance with the rules of prevention.

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

The reasons

Inflammation of one or more ganglia cannot appear just like that. Usually this is facilitated by other diseases, among which the most frequent are:

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

But most often the cause of this disease is viruses, therefore, according to statistics, it develops against the background of the manifestation of a herpes infection. If ganglionitis has arisen in the region of the pterygopalatine node, then here the main causes 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 common manifestations as burning pains, which are paroxysmal, and severe itching in the affected area. Paresthesia, which is a tingling or numbness sensation on 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 brings pain. The same pain will be in the area of ​​the spinous processes of the vertebrae, if you try to palpate them. The work of internal organs may be disrupted due to damage to the nerve nodes that ensure their smooth operation. The skin also changes over the affected ganglion itself. It changes color, and in more severe cases, ulcers can form on it. The function of thermoregulation and sweating is disturbed, edema 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 parts of the head.

With the development of inflammation in the region of the stellate node, pain in the upper half of the chest and false angina may be observed.

Ganglionitis of the gasser node develops due to a decrease in the body's defenses. This disease proceeds much more severely than herpetic ganglionitis, and rashes most often occur in the area of ​​the trigeminal nerve - 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 distinguishable dots.

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

Inflammation of the crankshaft is characterized by inflammation and herpetic eruptions in the ear area and pain. Sometimes there may be complaints of dizziness. With the defeat of the lumbar and lower thoracic nodes, there is a violation of the function of the pelvic organs and the abdominal cavity.

Diagnostics

For diagnosis, only the clinical picture and complaints of the patient are used. There are no tests to confirm the diagnosis. It is imperative to conduct a 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, ENT are required. Otoscopy and pharyngoscopy may be required, and x-ray diagnostics are sometimes prescribed.

Drug therapy

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

To treat pain, drugs such as finlepsin, tebantin or katadolon are used. If this is necessary, then treatment can be supplemented with antidepressants.

Novocaine blockades in the affected area help to cope very well with pain. It helps to cope with inflammation and physiotherapy - 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 increase immunity. This is the only way to get rid of inflammation of the ganglia forever.