Nervous System Health - Neuralgia Flashcards
What is neuralgia, and how is it typically described?
Neuralgia is pain in the distribution of a nerve or nerves, often described as burning or stabbing in nature.
What are common types of neuralgia, and how do they present?
Sciatic neuralgia (sciatica): Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve causing pain in the buttocks, posterior leg, and foot, often with pins and needles, numbness, and weakness.
Trigeminal neuralgia: Chronic condition affecting the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) with sudden, severe stabbing pain in the face.
What are common causes of neuralgia?
Structural: Lumbar disc herniation, piriformis compression, tumors, or blood vessel compression.
Infections: Viruses like herpes simplex and zoster.
Inflammation: Poor posture, inflammatory diet, obesity, intestinal permeability (LPS leakage).
Demyelinating diseases: E.g., multiple sclerosis (MS).
Chronic stress: Leads to sympathetic nervous system dominance and muscle shortening.
What dietary and supplement approaches support neuralgia?
Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like whole plant foods and oily fish. Avoid dairy, gluten, refined sugars, coffee, and alcohol.
Supplements:
B vitamins (B1, B6, B12): Support myelination, GABA synthesis, and reduce hyperexcitability.
Omega-3s: 500–1000 mg/day of EPA/DHA to reduce inflammation.
Acetyl L-carnitine: 1–2 g/day to enhance nerve growth.
Magnesium: 200–400 mg/day to reduce inflammation and promote nerve regeneration.
Turmeric: 2 tsp daily for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.
What are some herbal approaches to managing neuralgia?
St John’s Wort: 2 tsp tea infused 3 times daily or homeopathic (30C potency 3–4 times daily). Neuroprotective and inhibits serotonin/dopamine reuptake.
Nervines: Passionflower, valerian (analgesics) as tea (1 cup, 2–3 times daily or 30 min before bed).
Immune/antiviral herbs (if infection-related): L-Lysine, olive leaf extract, elderberry, echinacea, and vitamin C.
How does magnesium support nerve health in neuralgia?
Magnesium reduces the inflammatory cascade, prevents Schwann cell apoptosis, and promotes sciatic nerve regeneration.
Dose: 200–400 mg/day.
How can omega-3 fatty acids benefit neuralgia?
Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) reduce inflammation, nociception, and support overall neuronal health.
Dose: 500–1000 mg/day.
What lifestyle modifications support neuralgia management?
Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet.
Engage in gentle exercise to improve posture and circulation.
Use relaxation techniques to address chronic stress.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce nerve compression risks.
What role does turmeric play in neuralgia management?
Turmeric regulates inflammatory cytokines, inhibits protein kinase signaling pathways, and has antinociceptive activity.
Dose: 2 tsp daily.
When is it important to use anti-inflammatory measures for neuralgia?
Anti-inflammatories should be used when inflammation or swelling is suspected, such as in cases of nerve compression.
