Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Neurogenic Inflammation?

Steven Symes
Steven Symes

Inflammation of neurological tissue, caused by the release of inflammatory mediators or afferent neurons, is classified as neurogenic inflammation. Usually, the inflammation in various body tissues is caused by the body’s immune response to a perceived infection or risk of infection. The resulting abnormal inflammation is contained to a certain tissue or interconnected group of tissues. The inflammation might be caused by various health conditions, or can trigger or agitate other medical conditions in a person’s body.

Neurogenic inflammation is the trigger or the mechanism by which a number of diseases or conditions spread in a person’s body. Such conditions include asthma, dystonia and even migraine headaches. For example, during migraine headaches the trigeminal nerve’s stimulation leads to neurogenic inflammation, causing a patient severe pain.

During a migraine headache, the trigeminal nerve's stimulation leads to neurogenic inflammation, causing a patient severe pain.
During a migraine headache, the trigeminal nerve's stimulation leads to neurogenic inflammation, causing a patient severe pain.

One of the most obvious symptoms of neurogenic inflammation is redness in the affected tissue. This redness might be easily seen on the surface of the skin, or it might be concealed from view if it affects an internal organ. Another symptom of the condition includes extreme sensitivity of various organs to stimuli such as light, pressure, temperature changes and loud noises.

Peanut butter is a good source of magnesium.
Peanut butter is a good source of magnesium.

Treatment of neurogenic inflammation normally involves the use of one or more narcotics. For example, Astelin® is administered by an inhaler to help treat the symptoms of mild to severe asthma. Other medicines used to treat neurogenic inflammation might be administered orally or intravenously.

For the condition to be properly diagnosed, patients who suffer from neurogenic inflammation should see a medical doctor. Generalist doctors might refer the patient to a neurologist after confirming the patient’s condition. A neurologist might expose the patient to various stimulants in an attempt to determine which is triggering the inflammation. Alternatively, some chiropractors offer treatment for inflammation using narcotic-free medical treatments.

Spinach is rich in magnesium, an essential nutrient in which many people are deficient.
Spinach is rich in magnesium, an essential nutrient in which many people are deficient.

The causes of neurogenic inflammation are not definitely known. Some researchers suspect a magnesium deficiency in people leads to the condition, which has been demonstrated in labs using rats. Daily eating foods that contain high levels of magnesium, such as halibut, almonds, spinach and peanut butter might lower a person’s risk of inflammation, according to such theories. A person might also avoid stimulants that trigger the inflammation, such as limiting or stopping use of various personal hygiene products that contain chemicals which trigger the condition, or limiting time spent outside on poor air quality days.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • During a migraine headache, the trigeminal nerve's stimulation leads to neurogenic inflammation, causing a patient severe pain.
      By: hriana
      During a migraine headache, the trigeminal nerve's stimulation leads to neurogenic inflammation, causing a patient severe pain.
    • Peanut butter is a good source of magnesium.
      By: Meliha Gojak
      Peanut butter is a good source of magnesium.
    • Spinach is rich in magnesium, an essential nutrient in which many people are deficient.
      By: mates
      Spinach is rich in magnesium, an essential nutrient in which many people are deficient.
    • Chiropractors often offer narcotic-free pain relief for patients with neurogenic inflammation.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Chiropractors often offer narcotic-free pain relief for patients with neurogenic inflammation.
    • Neurogenic inflammation is the trigger by a which a number of conditions spread in a person's body, such as asthma.
      By: petert2
      Neurogenic inflammation is the trigger by a which a number of conditions spread in a person's body, such as asthma.
    • In most cases, a neurologist is called upon to diagnose and treat neurogenic inflammation.
      By: s_l
      In most cases, a neurologist is called upon to diagnose and treat neurogenic inflammation.
    • Neurogenic inflammation associated with asthma may be treated through nebulized medications, especially in children.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Neurogenic inflammation associated with asthma may be treated through nebulized medications, especially in children.