The most frequently detected pathology of the pterygopalatine ganglion encountered in medical practice is ganglionitis. What is the cause of this condition, what symptoms are observed? How inflammation of the pterygopalatine node is diagnosed, as well as how this disease is treated will be discussed further.
Anatomy of an organ
The human nervous system is conditionally divided into somatic and vegetative, the element of the parasympathetic part of which is the pterygopalatine ganglion. This organ resembles a triangle in shape and is localized in fatty tissue.
The indicated element of the nervous system consists of the so-called roots, including:
- The sensory root is the nodal branches that extend from the maxillary nerve.
- The next one, called the parasympathetic, is a large petrosal nerve and is a branch of the facial.
- Anatomy of the pterygopalatine ganglion suggests the presence of a sympathetic root, which is a deep stony nerve that is a branch of the internal carotid plexus.
The following branches depart from the node:
- the so-called orbital;
- upper back of the nasal branches;
- nasopalatine;
- pharyngeal.
So, now that we know what the organ we are talking about today is, we can proceed to a more detailed consideration of its possible pathologies, the first of which is ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion.
Classification of neuralgic diseases
Before proceeding to the structuring of the indicated pathologies, it should be noted that neuralgia is understood as a pathological process resulting from damage to the nerves of the peripheral system.
In practice, the following types of damage are distinguished:
- Trigeminal lesion, which is characterized by pain in the gums, in the upper part of the 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.
- Injury to the external cutaneous nerve.
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, which is quite rare.
- A occipital lesion, which is characterized by pain in the back of the head, in the temporal and ocular regions.
- Pterygopalatine neuralgia, usually affecting half of the face.
The concept and essence of ganglionite
Under such a medical term as ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine ganglion, one should understand the development of the inflammatory process,which is usually infectious. This disease is distinguished by a whole set and various variations of clinical manifestations.
In this case, the main and maxillary sinuses, as well as the ethmoid labyrinth, are mostly exposed to the inflammatory process, since the organ is closest to them.
Factors for the development of pathology
Ganglionitis of the pterygopalatine node, as a rule, is caused by the penetration of an infection into the organ, as a result of which, in fact, the inflammatory process is provoked. Local inflammatory lesions of the nasopharynx, for example, sinusitis, pharyngitis, chronic rhinitis, serve as a source of infectious agents. The indicated condition can also develop against the background of a toxic effect on the nerve node, which happens in chronic forms of tonsillitis and purulent otitis media.
As provoking factors for this condition, experts identify chronic lack of sleep, severe overwork, stress, loud noise and stress.
Sometimes ganglionitis develops as a neurostomatological complication caused by carious processes in the teeth, which is accompanied by the development of periodontitis and pulpitis. Pterygopalatine neuralgia also develops with common infectious pathologies, for example, herpes, SARS, rheumatism, tuberculosis, etc.
Observed clinical manifestations
Ganglionitis - pterygopalatine ganglion syndrome or, as it is also called in medicine, Slader's syndrome, has a pronounced clinical picture. To startit should be noted outbreaks of pain that can occur for no apparent reason. The pain syndrome can differ in very different localities, which makes it difficult to diagnose the patient's condition.
Often in practice, patients turn to specialists with pain in the eyes, jaw, upper palate or at the very base of the nose. In some cases, there is pain in the teeth or in the gum area. At the same time, it is given to the ear, back of the head, neck, temple, shoulder, and even to the hand. In a neglected state, the pain syndrome is noted completely in the right or left side of the patient's torso.
In addition, patients may experience:
- swelling and redness of the skin;
- excessive lacrimation;
- excessive salivation;
- Copious discharge of fluid from the sinuses.
The duration of such attacks can range from several minutes to several days. In this case, the pain begins to disturb at night. The indicated disease is recognized by physicians as chronic and cannot be completely cured. The periods of its exacerbation fall on the spring and autumn seasons.
Diagnostic Methods
Ganglionitis is diagnosed on the basis of manifest clinical syndromes. In order to confirm the doctor's suspicions, the back of the patient's nasal cavity is lubricated with a 0.1% solution of adrenaline and dicaine. If after such manipulations the pain attack stops, then this is a confirmation of the presence of this disease.
Along with this, for stagingthe final diagnosis, the doctor differentiates ganglionitis from other pathologies, which are also characterized by facial pain, as well as from dental diseases.
Therapeutic interventions
Treatment of neuralgia of the pterygopalatine node must necessarily be comprehensive. First you need to eliminate the pain syndrome. This is done through 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. In this case, antiallergic drugs, antispasmodics, tonics 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 has been overcome, the patient is rehabilitated through massage, mud therapy and UHF.
In severe clinical cases, specialists resort to radical methods of treatment through direct destruction of the organ.
Prevention of neuralgic diseases
As you know, it is better to prevent an ailment than to treat it afterward. Neuralgic pathologies are no exception. For those who would not like to face a similar condition, experts recommend taking the following preventive measures:
- keep a he althy and balanced diet;
- exercise daily;
- avoid stressful situations;
- do not come into contact with people suffering from infectious diseases;
- don't forget weight control;
- go to nature as often as possible;
- ventilate and keep the living space clean.
If all the above recommendations are followed, each person will most likely be able to exclude such an unpleasant disease as ganglionitis in his anamnesis.
