The most frequently detected pathology of the pterygopalatine node, found in medical practice, is ganglionitis. What is the cause of the indicated condition, what symptomatology is observed? How the inflammation of the pterygopalatine node is diagnosed, as well as how the therapy of this disease is carried out, will be discussed later.
Organ anatomy
The human nervous system is conditionally divided into somatic and autonomic, the parasympathetic part of which is the pterygopalatine node. The specified organ resembles a triangle in shape and is localized in adipose tissue.
The designated element of the nervous system consists of the so-called roots, including:
- The sensitive root is the nodal branches that extend from the maxillary nerve.
- The next, called parasympathetic, is a large stony nerve and is a branch of the facial.
- The anatomy of the pterygo-palatine node suggests the presence of a sympathetic root, which is a deep stony nerve, which is a branch of the internal carotid plexus.
The following branches depart from the node:
- the so-called orbital;
- upper back of nasal branches;
- nasal palate;
- pharyngeal.
So, now that we know what constitutes the organ we are talking about today, we can begin to examine in more detail its possible pathologies, the first of which is ganglionitis of the pterygo-palatine node.
Classification of Neuralgic Diseases
Before proceeding with the structuring of the indicated pathologies, it should be noted that neuralgia refers to the pathological process that occurs as a result of damage to the nerves of the peripheral system.
In practice, the following types of damage are distinguished:
- Damage to the trigeminal nerve, which is characterized by pain in the gums, in the upper jaw, as well as in the lower eyelids and along the side of the nose.
- Intercostal neuralgia, manifested by sharp pains in the chest area.
- Damage to the external cutaneous nerve.
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, which is quite rare.
- Damage to the occipital, which is characterized by pain in the back of the head, in the temporal and ocular areas.
- Pterygopalatine neuralgia usually affects the affected half of the face.
The concept and essence of ganglionitis
Under such a medical term as ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node, one should understand the development of the inflammatory process, which, as a rule, has an infectious nature. This disease differs in a whole set and various variations of clinical manifestations.
In this case, the inflammatory process, for the most part, undergoes the main and maxillary sinuses, as well as the ethmoid labyrinth, since it is the organ closest to them.
Pathology development factors
Pterygopalatine ganglionitis, as a rule, is caused by penetration into the organ of infection, as a result of which, in fact, the inflammatory process is provoked. Local inflammatory lesions of the nasopharynx, for example, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and chronic rhinitis, serve as a source of infectious agents. This condition can also develop against the background of toxic effects on the nerve node, which happens with chronic forms of tonsillitis and purulent otitis media.
As provoking factors of this condition, experts single out chronic lack of sleep, severe fatigue, stress, loud noise and stress.
Sometimes ganglionitis develops as a neuro-dental complication caused by carious processes in the teeth, which is accompanied by the development of periodontitis and pulpitis. Pterygopalatine neuralgia develops with common infectious pathologies, for example, herpes, SARS, rheumatism, tuberculosis, etc.
Observed clinical manifestations
Ganglionitis is a syndrome of the pterygo-palatine node or, as it is also called in medicine, Slader syndrome, has a pronounced clinical picture. To begin with, outbreaks of pain that can occur for no apparent reason should be noted. The pain syndrome can differ in a very different locality, which is why the diagnosis of the patient's condition is difficult.
Often in practice, patients turn to specialists with pain in the eyes, jaw, in the upper sky or at the very base of the nose. In some cases, pain in the teeth or in the gum region is noted. At the same time, it is given to the ear, nape, neck, temple, shoulder and even to the hand. In an advanced state, the pain syndrome is noted completely in the right or left side of the patient's body.
In addition, patients may experience:
- swelling and redness of the skin;
- profuse lacrimation;
- excessive salivation;
- copious discharge of fluid from the sinuses.
The duration of such attacks can be from several minutes to several days. At the same time, pains begin to bother at night. The indicated disease is recognized by doctors as chronic and cannot be completely cured. Periods of exacerbation occur in the spring and autumn seasons.
Diagnostic Methods
The diagnosis of ganglionitis is made on the basis of the manifesting clinical syndromes. In order to confirm the doctor's suspicions, the back region of the patient's nasal cavity is lubricated with a 0.1% solution of adrenaline and dicain. If after such manipulations the pain attack stops, then this is a confirmation of the presence of this ailment.
Along with this, to make a final diagnosis, the doctor differentiates ganglionitis from other pathologies, which also have facial pain, as well as dental diseases.
Therapeutic measures
The treatment of pterygopalatine neuralgia without fail should be comprehensive. First you need to eliminate the pain syndrome. This is done by means of turundas, which, having previously moistened with "Lidocaine" or "Novocaine", must be introduced into the nasal cavities.
If the pain syndrome is provoked by an infection, then the patient is prescribed antibiotic drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs. At the same time, antiallergic drugs, antispasmodics, restorative agents and B vitamins can also be used.
If the patient is elderly, then in order to improve cerebral circulation, he is prescribed vascular drugs.
After the pain was managed, the patient is rehabilitated through massage, mud therapy and UHF.
In severe clinical cases, specialists resort to radical methods of treatment through direct organ destruction.
Prevention of Neuralgic Diseases
As you know, it is better to prevent an ailment than to deal with its treatment after. Neuralgic pathologies are no exception. For those who would not want to face a similar condition, experts recommend taking the following preventive measures:
- adhere to a healthy and balanced diet;
- daily exercise;
- avoid stressful situations;
- Do not contact people suffering from infectious diseases;
- Do not forget about weight control;
- as often as possible to go to nature;
- ventilate and take care of the cleanliness of the living room.
Subject to the fulfillment of all these recommendations, each person with a high degree of probability will be able to exclude in his anamnesis such an unpleasant disease as ganglionitis.