Toilet      12/16/2020

Myositis of the eye muscles. Myositis of the eye muscle: what is it, what is the diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of muscle damage due to inflammation

Ocular myositis is a disease during which one or more of the outer eye muscles become inflamed. This is a rare disease, most often affecting one eye. Young people and middle-aged people get sick. Men get sick more often. This disease develops in people whose work is sedentary (this is the work of representatives of the music industry, people associated with working on computers).

Be vigilant - if the disease is not cured in time, there may be various kinds complication. No one is talking about surgical intervention, but it is quite possible that you will have to go to hospital for inpatient treatment, especially if complications begin with areas of the body that are located on the face.

Remember, everyone may need first aid. Always contact experienced professionals for any changes on your face.

If we talk about the course of the disease, then all inflammatory processes can be acute or chronic.

Depending on the distribution, myositis can be local or diffuse.

With a local disease, one muscle group becomes inflamed. The disease is accompanied by clearly defined pain and muscle weakness that becomes more intense every day. In this case, there may be a slight swelling and slight redness of the skin in the localization of the muscles that are involved in the inflammation. Infrequently, local forms of the disease are accompanied by fever and headaches.

Diffuse forms of the disease or polymyositis are usually not characterized by intense pain. It is more characterized by a gradual increase in weakness, accompanied by swelling of the affected areas. Also, joints that are nearby may be involved in the process. This can lead to arthritis.

What are the symptoms of myositis of the eye muscle?

There are the main symptoms of myositis that accompany any of its forms and types. Muscles usually hurt. Increased discomfort occurs when weather conditions change, as well as at night. There are also the following symptoms: muscle areas involved in the inflammatory process become tense, joints are limited in movement. Muscles hurt more.

Myositis of the eyes can be acute exophthalmic, chronic oligosymptomatic. There are also neuromyositis. All these factors, if not dealt with, will lead to very serious sores.

The first is the most common. It is characterized by specific symptoms. The onset is acute, when the eye moves, there is prodromal soreness. This form is also distinguished by other symptoms; it is distinguished by a person’s photophobia, and there may be tearfulness. The latter are joined by exophthalmos; they appear due to thickening of inflamed muscles. The more muscles involved in the process, the stronger they are expressed.

The mobility of the eyeballs in the direction of diseased muscles is painful and limited. Because of the perifocal edema, it is difficult for him to move into the orbit. Eye irritation leads to chemosis, ptosis, and periorbital pain. They affect what the condition is referred to as myopathic pain exophthalmos.

Most often, the symptoms are mild. After a couple of weeks, the symptoms disappear. If the course of exophthalmic myositis is sluggish, then it can be considered an orbital tumor, since the radiograph shows an orbital darkening.

In the second form of inflammation of the eye muscles, the symptoms are not very pronounced (breaking pain, the presence of diplopia, paresis of the eye muscles). The process is slow.

Ocular neuromyositis is characterized by acute bilateral exophthalmos, eyelid edema, chemosis, and multiple paralysis of the eye muscles.

How to cure myositis of the eye?

Diagnosing this disease is not difficult. A specialist can make an accurate diagnosis using the patient’s medical history.

To see a detailed picture, you can undergo electromyography. In this way, the patient’s bioelectric impulses are examined. They also take a general blood test so that the inflammatory process can be detected.

Before determining treatment methods, in each individual situation, the specialist becomes familiar with the nature of the disease or similar unpleasant sensations.

The treatment of myositis itself is divided into pathogenetic and symptomatic. Pathogenetic treatment deals with curing the cause of the disease. Symptomatic treatment alleviates the patient's condition.

Among the main methods in the treatment of eye myositis are:

  • physiotherapy treatment;
  • physical therapy treatment;
  • massage (suitable for any form of the disease, if the form of the disease is not purulent);
  • protein diet treatment;
  • treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • medication treatment (painkillers and vascular drugs).

Prednisolone, Prednisone, Triamcinolone or Dexamethasone have a good effect during the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. When the disease is severe, in addition to steroids, it is recommended to use salicylates (to make a person sweat when they wrap him up), Amidopyrine, Butadione, and physiotherapy (diathermy, diadynamics).

To avoid re-development of myositis, the infectious focus should be sanitized and the body should be hardened.

Summing up the disease

To prevent myositis, every person should take good care of their health. Do not forget to pay attention to the body. All this will be useful in eliminating a number of factors. These are factors that can contribute to the appearance of such inflammation. Otherwise, the disease can have very serious consequences for the body (muscles can simply atrophy).

Muscles should not be overstressed when doing any work. The same applies to situations where physical activity takes place (sports, for example). Hypothermia must be avoided. Drafts are undesirable. Work must not be carried out in cold rooms. Optimum temperatures should be maintained.

Experts recommend treating colds and infections correctly and in a timely manner. This will also be the prevention of the disease. Do not neglect the doctor's prescriptions. By contacting specialists in time, you can begin effective treatment. Then it will be easier and easier to treat the disease. Recovery will come quickly.

Myositis is a disease of muscle tissue that is inflammatory, traumatic, chronic and is accompanied by pain and weakness throughout the body. Most often, the disease is present in the muscles of the neck, back, shoulders, chest person.

Types of myositis

There are two main forms of myositis - local myositis and polymyositis. Local myositis is characterized by inflammation of one muscle. With polymyositis, the inflammatory process spreads to several muscles or muscle groups.

The classification of myositis may vary. Thus, depending on the nature of the course of the disease, chronic, acute and subacute myositis are distinguished, and depending on the prevalence: limited and generalized.

In addition, scientists note such special forms myositis, as:

    Infectious non-purulent with severe pain and general malaise. This form develops during viral infections.

    Acute purulent with the formation of purulent foci in the muscles, with their swelling and severe pain. This form of myositis is often a complication of existing purulent processes, or acts as a symptom of septicopyemia.

    Myositis ossificans can be congenital or acquired as a result of trauma.

    Polymyositis is expressed in multiple lesions of muscle tissue.

    Dermatomyositis, called Wagner's disease, is a systemic disease.

Myositis in children

Myositis in children, like in adults, often occurs after hypothermia and after infectious diseases, as a result of injuries. The disease weakens the contractile function of muscles and blood circulation.

Symptoms:

  • Heat bodies.
  • Aching pain in the area of ​​the affected organ.
  • Swelling.
  • The appearance of compactions.
  • Presence of muscle spasms.

Signs of myositis

Myositis has two stages - acute and chronic. As a rule, untreated acute myositis becomes chronic and then periodically bothers the patient - the pain intensifies with hypothermia, changes in weather conditions, manifesting itself at night and with prolonged static position of the body.

Acute myositis develops after local infection of the muscle with generalized acute infection, as well as due to injuries and muscle strain (especially in combination with hypothermia).

Myositis primarily affects the muscles of the neck, lower back, lower leg, and chest. In the event that local myositis (and not polymyositis) occurs, pain and muscle weakness extend only to a specific muscle group.

The main symptom of myositis is pain, which is aching in nature and especially intensifies with movement and touching the muscles. On palpation, painful foci are felt - strands and nodules.

Slight swelling and hyperemia (redness) of the skin occurs in some cases. Sometimes myositis is accompanied by fever and headache.

The patient's condition deteriorates sharply without adequate therapy.

Symptoms of myositis

Symptoms that indicate myositis are:

  • general signs of injury, infection;
  • weakness and fatigue;
  • pain;
  • decreased mobility;
  • change in muscle consistency;
  • skin changes;
  • changes in sensitivity;
  • the appearance of contractures and abnormal positions of the limbs.

In acute myositis, which develops as a result of injuries, the first signs will be the consequences of these injuries.

In the first days the following appear:

  • hyperemia (redness) of the skin;
  • edema;
  • soreness;
  • subcutaneous hemorrhages;
  • hematomas;
  • sometimes the local temperature rises.

When the trigger is infection (

viral, bacterial

), then the first symptoms will be the common signs of these infections.

When an inflammatory process develops in a muscle, muscle tone is the first to suffer. Muscle fibers lose the ability to quickly and fully contract and relax.

The patient feels increasing weakness in the affected part of the body. With myositis of the extremities, it is difficult to raise your arms above your head or move your legs.

Weakness can reach such a degree that it becomes difficult for the patient to get out of a chair or bed.

The main characteristic of myositis is pain in the affected muscle or muscle group. The inflammatory process leads to the destruction of muscle fibers and accumulation large quantity active substances in the focus of inflammation, which irritate the nerve endings. Pain varies from moderate to severe depending on the location of the lesion and the stage of the disease.

Many people experience soreness in the neck muscles. Some people attribute the unpleasant sensations to overexertion, others remember the well-known vague concept of “pinched”, but few people think about myositis.

The symptoms of myositis are varied, but its main manifestation is considered to be a muscle symptom complex, expressed in muscle weakness. It can bother a person constantly and be quite pronounced, or it can appear only after a person performs certain tests.

The loss of muscle strength occurs gradually, this process takes from several weeks to several months. Large muscles are involved in the inflammatory process - hips, neck, shoulders, back.

Muscle myositis is characterized by bilateral symmetrical inflammation. At the same time, a person is not able to lift weights, climb stairs, and sometimes even simply raise his hand and get dressed on his own.

The hardest people endure is myositis of the shoulder and pelvic muscles. Such patients often suffer from gait disturbances, have difficulty getting up from the floor or from a chair, and may fall while moving.

Other symptoms of myositis may include:

    Appearance of a rash.

    Increase in general fatigue.

    Thickening and hardening of the skin.

    Aching pain that increases with movement and palpation of the muscles.

    Sometimes there is hyperemia of the skin and swelling in the affected area.

    Possible increased body temperature, fever, headaches.

    Joint pain appears during periods of exacerbation of myositis, but the skin over the joints does not become swollen or hot, as with arthritis or arthrosis.

With myositis, aching pain appears in the muscles of the arms, legs, and torso, which intensifies with movement. Often, dense nodules or cords are felt in the muscles. With an open injury, as a result of infection, purulent myositis can develop, which is manifested by increased body temperature, chills, a gradual increase in pain, swelling, thickening and tension of the muscle, and redness of the skin over it.

Diagnosis of myositis

An initial examination of the patient by a doctor and compilation of the examination results can confirm or refute the presence of inflammation in the muscles. A study of blood and secretions that were taken from the affected area complements the initial information.

The sequence of diagnostic measures allows us to identify the presence of the inflammatory process, the area of ​​distribution, the degree of damage, and the cause of formation.

To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct certain types of examinations:

  • a blood test that shows how fast red blood cells settle;
  • electromyography allows you to identify the condition in the affected area, the muscles have nerve fibers;
  • computed tomography allows early detection of signs of myositis ossificans;
  • Magnetic resonance imaging shows in detail the condition of the soft tissues.

The diagnostic results will be used to determine the type of myositis and prescribe quality treatment.

Which doctor treats myositis?

The doctor who will treat the disease may have different competence - it all depends on the localization of myositis. Treatment of myositis can be carried out by a therapist, traumatologist, neurologist, orthopedist or surgeon.

At the first manifestations of pain, you should contact a rheumatologist or therapist, who, after conducting an initial examination, will be able to refer you to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of myositis is the responsibility of doctors such as a neurologist, rheumatologist and therapist. Initially, if you experience pain in the back, neck or legs, you should consult a therapist.

Further, depending on the etiology of the disease, the family doctor recommends consultation with one or another specialist. So, in case of myositis due to autoimmune diseases, it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist; with myositis during colds - to the therapist; with neuro- and dermatomyositis - to a neuropathologist.

Diagnosis of myositis, in addition to questioning and examination, may include various laboratory and instrumental examinations, so the patient must be prepared in advance for significant time and material costs.

Diagnosis of myositis includes:

  • survey;
  • inspection;
  • laboratory tests (rheumatic tests);
  • instrumental studies;
  • biopsy.

Includes information about how the disease began and what preceded it.

The doctor may ask the following questions:

  • “What are the concerns at the moment?”
  • “What was the first symptom?”
  • “Was there a fever?”
  • “Was the illness preceded by hypothermia or injury?”
  • “What other diseases does the patient suffer from?”
  • “What was the patient sick with a month or a couple of months ago?”
  • “What did you get sick with as a child?” (for example, did you have rheumatic fever as a child?)
  • “Are there any hereditary pathologies in the family?”

Inspection

Initially, the doctor visually examines the site of pain. His attention is drawn to the redness of the skin over the muscle or, conversely, to its paleness. With dermatomyositis on the skin in the area of ​​the extensor surfaces (

joints

) red, scaly nodules and plaques form. Your doctor's attention may be drawn to your nails, as one of the early signs of dermatomyositis is changes in the nail bed (

redness and swelling of the skin

). Long-term myositis is accompanied by muscle atrophy. Over the atrophied muscle, the skin is pale with a sparse network of blood vessels.

feeling

) affected muscle. This is done to assess muscle tone and identify painful points. In the acute period of the disease, the muscle is tense, as its hypertonicity develops. Hypertonicity is a kind of protective reaction of skeletal muscles, therefore, when

the muscle is always tense. For example, with cervical myositis, the muscles are so tense that they make it difficult for the patient to move. Sometimes swallowing processes may even be disrupted if the inflammatory process has spread most neck muscles.

Muscle soreness can be both general and local. For example, with infectious purulent myositis, local painful points are identified that correspond to purulent foci. With polyfibromyositis, the pain increases towards the joint, that is, at the muscle attachment points.

With polymyositis, the pain syndrome is moderate, but muscle weakness progresses. In the clinical picture of myositis ossificans, the pain is moderate, but the muscles are very dense, and when palpated, dense areas are revealed. Severe pain syndrome is observed with neuromyositis, when nerve fibers are also affected along with muscle tissue.

Rheumatic tests

Rheumatic tests are those tests that are aimed at identifying systemic or local rheumatic diseases.

Such diseases may be:

  • rheumatoid arthritis;
  • systemic lupus erythematosus;
  • polymyositis;
  • polyfibromyositis;
  • myositis with inclusions and others.

Thus, rheumatic tests help determine the etiology of myositis, confirm or exclude the autoimmune pathogenesis of the disease. Also, using rheumatic tests, the intensity of the inflammatory process is determined.

In the diagnosis of myositis, rheumatic tests include the determination of the following indicators:

  • C-reactive protein;
  • antistreptolysin-O;
  • rheumatic factor;
  • antinuclear antibodies (ANA);
  • myositis-specific autoantibodies.

C-reactive protein

An increased concentration of C-reactive protein is observed during various inflammatory processes in the body. C-reactive protein is a marker of the acute phase of inflammation, therefore it is determined during acute infectious myositis or during exacerbations of chronic ones.

By determining the level of this protein, the effectiveness of the treatment can be assessed. However, in general, C-reactive protein is only an indicator of the infectious process and does not play a role important role in the differential diagnosis of myositis.

Antistreptolysin-O

Is an antibody

), which is produced in response to the presence in the body

, or more precisely on the enzyme it produces - streptolysin (

hence the name

). Is an important diagnostic criterion for

and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, an increased titer of these antibodies speaks in favor of rheumatic myositis.

Rheumatic factor

Rheumatic factor is antibodies that are produced by the body to its own proteins (

immunoglobulins

). Increased values ​​of the rheumatoid factor are observed in autoimmune pathologies, dermatomyositis, and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are cases when the rheumatic factor is negative. This is seen in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis or in children with juvenile arthritis. Quantitative determination of rheumatic factor before and after treatment is of important diagnostic importance.

Antinuclear antibodies

A family of autoantibodies that develop against components of their own proteins, namely the cell nuclei. Observed in dermatomyositis, scleroderma and other systemic collagenoses.

Myositis-specific autoantibodiesMyositis-specific autoantibodies (MSA) are markers of idiopathic myositis such as:

  • dermatomyositis;
  • polymyositis;
  • myositis with inclusions.

MSA is a group of very different antibodies that are produced to various components of cells: mitochondria, some enzymes, cytoplasm.

The most common antibodies are:

  • Anti Jo-1 – detected in 90 percent of people suffering from myositis;
  • Anti-Mi-2 – seen in 95 percent of people with dermatomyositis;
  • Anti-SRP – found in 4 percent of people with myositis.

Biopsy and morphological examination of muscle tissue

Biopsy is a diagnostic method in which pieces of tissue are taken intravitally (

biopsy

), followed by their study. The purpose of a biopsy in diagnosing myositis is to determine structural changes in muscle tissue, as well as in the surrounding vessels and connective tissue.

Indications for biopsy are:

  • infectious myositis;
  • polymyositis (and as a type of dermatomyositis);
  • polyfibromyositis.

For polymyositis and its variants (

dermatomyositis, polymyositis with

) are characterized by inflammatory and degenerative changes: cellular infiltration, necrosis of muscle fibers with loss of cross-striations. With polyfibromyositis, muscle tissue is replaced by connective tissue with the development of fibrosis. In infectious myositis, cellular infiltration of the interstitial tissue and small vessels predominates.

Myositis treatment

To avoid complications, it is necessary to begin treatment under the supervision of a doctor immediately after confirming the diagnosis.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment is prescribed by a doctor to eliminate symptoms and the inflammatory process.

To treat the disease, medications from different pharmaceutical groups can be prescribed:

  • Drugs of the NSAID group in tablets (Nimesulide, Ibuprofen, Movalis, Peroxicam, etc.).
  • Non-steroidal drugs for injection (Meloxicam, Diclofenac, Mydocalm).
  • Analgesics (Antipyrin, Analgin, Paracetomol).
  • Ointments (Turpentine ointment, Traumeel S, Dolaren-gel, Roztiran, etc.).

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for myositis restores muscle contraction and significantly increases blood circulation.

  • Warming and wrapping the inflamed area.
  • Manual therapy is a set of techniques carried out through static tension and muscle stretching, the main purpose of which is the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
  • Massage - normalizes blood circulation, relieves pain in muscles, eliminates swelling. The main goal of such therapy is to start the recovery process, to start the work of all limbs. The massage is carried out with increasing effect using a thermal procedure, which allows you to completely relax the sore muscles.

Magnetotherapy

Magnetotherapy is an effective treatment method that reduces muscle weakness, inflammation, skin redness, improves blood circulation, increases immunity, reduces pain occurs after the first procedure. With the help magnetic field You can intensify the therapy prescribed by your doctor.

A drug such as Almag-01 is often used; it relieves swelling, stabilizes metabolic processes, and relieves inflammation. There are contraindications for treatment with an electromagnetic field - a purulent form of the disease.

Physiotherapy

Physical therapy is a not entirely specific type of rehabilitation therapy, which consists of a set of physical exercises (sports, games, gymnastics) that restore physiological and psychological health.

After exercise therapy, significant improvements are observed:

  • mobility in the limbs and joints improves;
  • blood supply and general hemodynamics are activated;
  • swelling decreases and pain decreases.

Folk remedies can also be used to treat myositis, combined with medications prescribed by a doctor. The main principle of treatment at home is to maintain heat on the affected area using warming ointments, massage using essential oil.

Effective and proven traditional medicine recipes:

  • Horsetail elixir. 4 tsp mix butter with 1 tsp. horsetail powder, the resulting mixture must be rubbed onto the affected area of ​​the joint or back.
  • Cabbage leaf compress. Sprinkle two cabbage leaves with baking soda and apply to the sore spot.
  • Bodyagi ointment. Mix butter (1 tsp) with ¼ spoon of bodyaga. Rub in with heat before going to bed.
  • Burdock compress. Scald burdock leaves with boiling water and apply to the affected muscle area.
  • Potato recipe. Boil the potatoes in their jackets, mash them and apply them to your neck or back.
  • Adonis infusion. Pour 2 teaspoons of chopped herbs into boiling water (200 ml), strain and leave for one hour. Take a tablespoon three times a day. This infusion will perfectly relieve pain.

Inpatient treatment of myositis can be prescribed for the acute form of the disease or for periodic exacerbations.

Treatment of myositis depends on the cause of this disease. For purulent infectious myositis, antibacterial agents are prescribed; for hypothermia -

With myositis due to hypothermia or stress (

most often it is cervical or lumbar myositis

), local treatment in the form of ointments is prescribed.

Ointments for the treatment of non-purulent infectious myositis

Representatives Mechanism of action How is it prescribed?
fastum gel (active substance ketoprofen). Synonyms: bystrum gel. has an anti-inflammatory effect and also has high analgesic activity apply a small amount of gel (5 cm) to the skin above the inflammation site and rub in two to three times a day
apizartron (ointment is not prescribed in acute periods of rheumatic diseases) The mustard oil extract included in the drug causes tissue warming, improves local blood flow and relaxes muscles, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect a 3-5 cm strip of ointment is applied to the inflamed area and slowly rubbed into the skin
dolobene is a combination drug that contains dimethyl sulfoxide, heparin and dexpanthenol. in addition to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it has an anti-exudative effect, that is, it eliminates swelling A column of gel 3 cm long is applied to the site of inflammation and rubbed in with a gentle movement. The procedure is repeated 3 – 4 times a day

For extensive myositis, which affects several muscle groups and is accompanied by fever and other cold symptoms, treatment is prescribed in injection form (

Injections for the treatment of non-purulent infectious myositis

Representatives Mechanism of action How is it prescribed?
diclofenac has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect one injection (3 ml) intramuscularly every other day for 5 days.
meloxicam due to selective inhibition of the formation of inflammatory mediators, it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect with minimal side effects one ampoule (15 mg) per day, intramuscularly for 5 days, then switch to the tablet form of the drug
mydocalm has a muscle relaxant (relaxes tense muscles) effect One ampoule (100 mg of the substance) is administered intramuscularly twice a day. Thus, the daily dose is 200 mg

Tablets for the treatment of non-purulent infectious myositis

Most often, the treatment of myositis is combined, that is, medications are prescribed locally (

in the form of an ointment

), and systemically (

in the form of tablets or injections

Treatment of polymyositis and its forms (dermatomyositis)

The main drugs in the treatment of polymyositis and its form of dermatomyositis are glucocorticosteroids. The drug of choice is prednisolone, which is prescribed in the form of injections in the acute period of the disease.

Injections for the treatment of polymyositis and its form of dermatomyositis

If the therapy is ineffective, so-called pulse therapy is performed, which consists of administering ultra-high doses of glucocorticoids (

1 – 2 grams

) intravenously for a short period (

3 – 5 days

). This therapy is carried out exclusively in a hospital.

Prednisolone tablets are prescribed as maintenance therapy after remission is achieved. Methotrexate and azathioprine are also prescribed in tablet form. These drugs belong to the group of immunosuppressants and are prescribed in the most severe cases and when prednisolone is ineffective.

Tablets for the treatment of polymyositis and its form of dermatomyositis

Representatives Mechanism of action How is it prescribed?
prednisolone has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunosuppressive effects during maintenance therapy 10-20 mg per day, which is equal to 2-4 tablets of 5 mg. This daily dose is divided into two doses and taken in the morning.
methotrexate a cytostatic drug that has an immunosuppressive effect prescribed 15 mg orally per day, gradually increasing the dose to 20 mg. After reaching a dose of 20 mg, they switch to injectable forms of methotrexate.
azathioprine also has an immunosuppressive effect prescribed orally, starting with 2 mg per kg of body weight per day. Treatment is carried out under monthly blood test monitoring.

Since diffuse inflammation of the muscles is observed in poliomyositis, the appointment of ointments is impractical.

Treatment of myositis ossificans

With myositis ossificans, conservative treatment is effective only at the beginning of the disease, when resorption of calcification is still possible. Basically, the treatment of this type of myositis is reduced to surgical intervention.

Massage and rubbing of ointments are contraindicated.

Treatment of polyfibromyositis

Treatment for polyfibromyositis includes anti-inflammatory drugs, lidase injections, massage, and physiotherapy.

Ointments for the treatment of polyfibromyositis

Injections for the treatment of polyfibromyositis

In the form of tablets, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, which are advisable only in the acute phase of the disease.

Tablets for the treatment of polyfibromyositis

Treatment of purulent infectious myositis

Includes application

Painkillers and

funds. In some cases, surgery is indicated.

Ointments followed by rubbing them over the affected surface are contraindicated, as they can contribute to the spread of the purulent process to healthy tissue.

Injections for the treatment of purulent infectious myositis

Tablets for the treatment of purulent infectious myositis

Treatment of myositis in autoimmune diseases

In parallel with the treatment of the underlying disease, which is accompanied by myositis (

systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma

) symptomatic therapy of myositis is carried out. It consists of taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs; in the acute phase, a pastel regimen is observed.

Ointments for the treatment of myositis in autoimmune diseases

Representatives Mechanism of action How is it prescribed?
nise gel nimesulide, which is part of the ointment, has an analgesic and analgesic effect Without rubbing the gel is applied in a thin layer to the area of ​​pain. The procedure is repeated 2 to 4 times a day
Voltaren ointment and gel (active substance diclofenac) has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, also eliminates pain 1 g of ointment (a pea the size of a hazelnut) is applied over the site of inflammation and rubbed into the skin 2 – 3 times a day. Single dose - 2 grams.
finalgel produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect 1 g of gel is applied to the skin over the affected area and lightly rubbed. The procedure is repeated 3–4 times a day.

Injections for the treatment of myositis in autoimmune diseases

Tablets for the treatment of myositis in autoimmune diseases

Myositis therapy with folk remedies consists of using ointments, oils, solutions and tinctures with alcohol for rubbing. Anti-inflammatory compresses and heat insulation of the affected muscle area are widely used.

Carrying out these manipulations requires restrictions motor activity and maximum peace of mind. Helps to cope with pain syndrome due to myositis herbal infusions, before using which you should consult your doctor.

Therapy for myofasciculitis is selected individually for each patient after a thorough diagnosis.

Asymptomatic treatment should be done as follows - dental correction (correction of functional mandibular disorders, malocclusion); elimination of stress factors with the prescription of antipsychogenic and sedative drugs (Persen, diazepam). Correction of vertebrogenic triggers (correction of spinal column pathology) is necessary.

Injection blockades with anesthetic drugs at trigger points can be used.

If pain or swelling appears, you should not rush to be treated with any, even popular, medications or folk remedies, but you should immediately consult a doctor. At the very beginning, as soon as the patient seeks medical help, he is examined, and then examined, which may require an X-ray or MRI, and resonance therapy will provide more data about the course of the disease, which will allow the correct treatment to be prescribed.

In addition, a blood test is necessary to determine the inflammatory process in the body, and rheumatic tests are also performed. Very rarely a tissue biopsy is required.

Neck myositis is an inflammatory disease of the neck muscles due to many causes. Among other forms of this disease, it is the cervical variant that is widespread and poses the greatest danger.

The disease affects people of any age and gender. The risk group especially includes people (a social being with reason and consciousness, as well as a subject of socio-historical activity and culture) who have other problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Almost every person experiences symptoms of the disease throughout their lives. This disease can be treated with conservative methods using alternative therapy.

Treatment will primarily depend on the severity of the symptoms of the disease. It can be reduced to taking antibacterial drugs, antiviral agents, immunosuppressants, etc.

The treatment regimen for myositis should be selected on an individual basis, taking into account all the clinical manifestations of the disease.

To eliminate the inflammatory phenomena that provoked myositis, it is possible to use immunosuppressive drugs, for example, Methotrexate, Prednisolone, Azathioprine.

If myositis is of a viral nature, then treatment should be aimed at maintaining the body's immune forces and fighting the infection, since there is no etiological therapy. If a bacterial infection has become the cause of muscle inflammation, then antibiotics are advisable.

Treatment of myositis is carried out under the supervision of a doctor and consists in the fight against infection and the proper organization of work, sports and recreation. Treatment of myositis is pathogenetic and symptomatic.

Despite the terrible pain, cervical myositis is treated quite easily (if treatment is started immediately and the attack does not become protracted).

Firstly, an experienced doctor will advise the sick person to be as completely at rest as possible. The affected area should be lubricated with a warming ointment, and an anti-inflammatory drug should be taken internally.

The best effect is given by novocaine blockade - injecting the most painful areas of the affected muscles with novocaine with the addition of a corticosteroid hormone. Therapeutic effect from the novocaine blockade manifests itself almost immediately after the procedure: muscle inflammation decreases and pain disappears.

PIR (muscle and ligament traction) is a relatively new therapeutic method of manual therapy, which involves active interaction between the patient and the doctor. The patient is not passive during the procedure; he tenses and relaxes certain muscles.

And the doctor, while relaxing, stretches his muscles. During the procedure, the patient is surprised to notice that tension and pain disappear right before his eyes.

The number of PIR procedures is prescribed depending on the patient’s condition.

Prevention of myositis

What do we have to do?

To prevent myositis it is necessary:

  • maintain a balanced diet;
  • maintain water regime;
  • lead an active lifestyle, but at the same time avoid excessive physical activity;
  • Treat colds and other infectious diseases in a timely manner (you cannot tolerate illnesses on your feet and allow their complications).

Diet

Polyunsaturated fatty acids help prevent the inflammatory process in muscles.

A sufficient amount of polyunsaturated acids is contained in:

  • salmon species (salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon);
  • herring;
  • halibut;
  • tuna.

Products with a high content of salicylates are also useful for the prevention of myositis.

These products include:

  • carrot;
  • beet;
  • potato.

Easily digestible proteins help to increase the body's resistance, for which you should include soy, chicken, and almonds in your diet. The menu should also include foods high in calcium (

Myositis of the eye muscle: what is it, what is the diagnosis and treatment?

Ocular myositis is a disease during which one or more of the outer eye muscles become inflamed. This is a rare disease, most often affecting one eye. Young people and middle-aged people get sick. Men get sick more often. This disease develops in people whose work is sedentary (this is the work of representatives of the music industry, people associated with working on computers).

Be vigilant - if the disease is not cured in time, there may be various kinds of complications. No one is talking about surgical intervention, but it is quite possible that you will have to go to hospital for inpatient treatment, especially if complications begin with areas of the body that are located on the face.

Remember, everyone may need first aid. Always contact experienced professionals for any changes on your face.

Myositis of the eye - what affects it and how?

The occurrence of muscle inflammation is influenced by the presence of:

If we talk about the course of the disease, then all inflammatory processes can be acute or chronic.

Depending on the distribution, myositis can be local or diffuse.

Diffuse forms of the disease or polymyositis are usually not characterized by intense pain. It is more characterized by a gradual increase in weakness, accompanied by swelling of the affected areas. Also, joints that are nearby may be involved in the process. This can lead to arthritis.

What are the symptoms of myositis of the eye muscle?

There are the main symptoms of myositis that accompany any of its forms and types. Muscles usually hurt. Increased discomfort occurs when weather conditions change, as well as at night. There are also the following symptoms: muscle areas involved in the inflammatory process become tense, joints are limited in movement. Muscles hurt more.

Myositis of the eyes can be acute exophthalmic, chronic oligosymptomatic. There are also neuromyositis. All these factors, if not dealt with, will lead to very serious sores.

The first is the most common. It is characterized by specific symptoms. The onset is acute, when the eye moves, there is prodromal soreness. This form is also distinguished by other symptoms; it is distinguished by a person’s photophobia, and there may be tearfulness. The latter are joined by exophthalmos; they appear due to thickening of inflamed muscles. The more muscles involved in the process, the stronger they are expressed.

The mobility of the eyeballs in the direction of diseased muscles is painful and limited. Because of the perifocal edema, it is difficult for him to move into the orbit. Eye irritation leads to chemosis, ptosis, and periorbital pain. They affect what the condition is referred to as myopathic pain exophthalmos.

Most often, the symptoms are mild. After a couple of weeks, the symptoms disappear. If the course of exophthalmic myositis is sluggish, then it can be considered an orbital tumor, since the radiograph shows an orbital darkening.

In the second form of inflammation of the eye muscles, the symptoms are not very pronounced (breaking pain, the presence of diplopia, paresis of the eye muscles). The process is slow.

Ocular neuromyositis is characterized by acute bilateral exophthalmos, eyelid edema, chemosis, and multiple paralysis of the eye muscles.

How to cure myositis of the eye?

Diagnosing this disease is not difficult. A specialist can make an accurate diagnosis using the patient’s medical history.

To see a detailed picture, you can undergo electromyography. In this way, the patient’s bioelectric impulses are examined. They also take a general blood test so that the inflammatory process can be detected.

Before determining treatment methods, in each individual situation, the specialist becomes familiar with the nature of the disease or similar unpleasant sensations.

The treatment of myositis itself is divided into pathogenetic and symptomatic. Pathogenetic treatment deals with curing the cause of the disease. Symptomatic treatment alleviates the patient's condition.

Among the main methods in the treatment of eye myositis are:

  • physiotherapy treatment;
  • physical therapy treatment;
  • massage (suitable for any form of the disease, if the form of the disease is not purulent);
  • protein diet treatment;
  • treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • medication treatment (painkillers and vascular drugs).

Prednisolone, Prednisone, Triamcinolone or Dexamethasone have a good effect during the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. When the disease is severe, in addition to steroids, it is recommended to use salicylates (to make a person sweat when they wrap him up), Amidopyrine, Butadione, and physiotherapy (diathermy, diadynamics).

To avoid re-development of myositis, the infectious focus should be sanitized and the body should be hardened.

Summing up the disease

To prevent myositis, every person should take good care of their health. Do not forget to pay attention to the body. All this will be useful in eliminating a number of factors. These are factors that can contribute to the appearance of such inflammation. Otherwise, the disease can have very serious consequences for the body (muscles can simply atrophy).

Muscles should not be overstressed when doing any work. The same applies to situations where physical activity takes place (sports, for example). Hypothermia must be avoided. Drafts are undesirable. Work must not be carried out in cold rooms. Optimum temperatures should be maintained.

Experts recommend treating colds and infections correctly and in a timely manner. This will also be the prevention of the disease. Do not neglect the doctor's prescriptions. By contacting specialists in time, you can begin effective treatment. Then it will be easier and easier to treat the disease. Recovery will come quickly.

Orbital myositis

Orbital myositis– acute or chronic inflammation of the extraocular muscles. The main symptoms of the disease are bursting pain in the periorbital region, muscle weakness, diplopia, and limited mobility of the eyeball. The palpebral fissure is narrowed, the eyelids are swollen. To make a diagnosis, ophthalmoscopy, biomicroscopy, ultrasound, tonometry, gonioscopy, CT of the orbits and brain are used. Treatment tactics boil down to the prescription of antibiotics, angioprotectors, NSAIDs, antihistamines, hormonal drugs and radiotherapy. After stopping the acute process, electrophoresis is used.

Orbital myositis

Myositis of the orbit is a disease in which one or more external muscles of the eye are affected. The pathology was first described in 1903 by the American scientist G. Gleason. According to statistics, the primary idiopathic variant occurs in 33% of patients suffering from myositis. The secondary form accounts for 67% of cases. Pathology is often considered in the general structure of orbital pseudotumor. The development of modern diagnostic methods in ophthalmology has reduced the frequency of enucleation by 27%. The idiopathic variant of the disease is more often diagnosed in males after 40 years of age. Secondary damage to the orbital muscles occurs in all age groups.

Causes of orbital myositis

Etiology of this disease not fully studied. Scientists believe that the primary form is based on an autoimmune process in which skeletal muscles are damaged. At the same time, it remains unknown why exactly the external muscles of the eyeball are involved in this process. The main causes of secondary inflammation of the extraocular muscles are:

  • Traumatic injuries. Direct trauma to the muscles or bone walls of the orbit is complicated by secondary myositis, which is due to local damage to muscle fibers. Pathology can occur against the background of eye contusion.
  • Infectious diseases. The triggering factor is flu, sore throat, rheumatism. Toxins or decay products formed during syphilis and toxoplasmosis of the eye have tropism for myocytes. After etiotropic treatment, all symptoms of the pathology disappear.
  • Impact of physical factors. The onset of symptoms of myositis is often preceded by hypothermia or burns. When post-burn scars form, the symptoms cannot be eliminated.
  • Intoxication of the body. Transient myositis is one of the common manifestations of drug or alcohol poisoning. Intoxication with pesticides in production conditions (mercury vapor, lead) also potentiates the development of the disease.
  • Failure to comply with hygiene rules. Neglect of eye hygiene contributes to the penetration of pathological agents into the orbital cavity. Cosmetical tools, remaining on the skin when makeup is removed untimely, have a toxic effect on the structures of the eyeball.
  • Iatrogenic effects. The clinical picture develops in early or late postoperative period. Surgical intervention to correct strabismus is often complicated by inflammation of the extraocular muscles.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of development of primary idiopathic myositis is not clear. In the pathogenesis of the secondary form, the type of triggering factor directly depends on the etiology. In case of injuries or intraoperative muscle damage, the pathological process is triggered by pro-inflammatory agents (interleukins 1, 2, 6, 8, interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor a). During the infectious genesis of the disease, the external muscles of the eye are affected by the toxins of the pathogen and the decay products of surrounding tissues. Acute intoxication with ethanol and narcotic substances leads to a decrease in skeletal muscle tone. Over time, atony is replaced by spasm, convulsive twitching, which potentiate the development of myositis. The inflammation of the orbital muscles during hypothermia is based on a neurogenic mechanism.

Classification

Taking into account the cause of development, primary idiopathic and secondary myositis are distinguished. The etiology of the primary form remains unknown; the secondary variant occurs against the background of other pathological conditions and diseases of intraorbital localization. According to the clinical classification, the following types of disease are distinguished:

  • Acute. It is characterized by a sudden onset and positive dynamics with timely treatment. Clinical symptoms disappear on their own within 6 weeks. Relapses are not observed.
  • Chronic. Duration of the course is more than 2 months. Patients often claim that symptoms have been present for many years. Periods of exacerbations alternate with short-term remissions. The chronic course is most typical for the idiopathic form of the disease.

Symptoms of orbital myositis

In the idiopathic form, the first manifestations occur against the background of complete well-being. Patients complain about sharp pain in the region of the orbit, a feeling of pronounced muscle weakness. Visually determined swelling of the eyelids. The orbital fissure narrows due to secondary ptosis. The mobility of the eyelids and the eyeball is sharply limited or impossible. With a unilateral lesion, patients note double vision. The pain syndrome increases with the movement of the eyes in the direction of the lesion. The phenomenon of exophthalmos progresses very quickly. An increase in eye muscles in volume is accompanied by a feeling of bursting pain in the orbit.

Appears on the affected side headache, which intensifies when trying to move the eyeballs. The conjunctiva is hyperemic. The line of transition of the orbital conjunctiva to the palpebral conjunctiva is smoothed due to edema. Deterioration of vision occurs only with compression of the optic disc in patients with a high degree of exophthalmos. Clinical manifestations increase with general hypothermia of the body and emotional stress. In severe cases, there may be a slight increase in body temperature and swelling of the entire periorbital area.

With secondary orbital myositis, there is a clear relationship between the development of symptoms of the disease and the action of certain factors (hypothermia, correction of strabismus, intoxication). With traumatic or iatrogenic origin of the pathology, eye reposition is almost impossible. In patients with intoxication, symptoms are temporary, and elimination of the etiological factor allows for stable clinical remission. Secondary myositis, which occurs against the background of hypothermia, is often characterized by a recurrent course.

Complications

In the absence of timely treatment, scar-atrophic changes occur, which practically do not undergo reverse development. Most patients develop ocular hypertension that is resistant to antihypertensive therapy. With a high degree of severity, signs of congestion of the optic nerve head are observed, and subsequent transition to total atrophy is possible. A progressive decrease in visual acuity becomes the cause of amaurosis. The chronic form is complicated by restrictive myopathy. Retrobulbar tissue can be replaced by fibrous or cartilaginous tissue.

Diagnostics

At the first stage of diagnosis, a physical examination of the patient is performed. Exophthalmos in combination with swelling of the periorbital zone is visually determined. Exophthalmometry can be used to measure the degree of protrusion of the eyeball. In infectious myositis, the causative agent of the pathology is identified using serological techniques. Specific research methods include:

  • Ultrasound of the eye. When conducting an ultrasound examination in B-mode, an increase in the volume of the eyeball is determined. The echogenicity of the affected muscle is reduced. Splitting of echo signals from the fundus is noted.
  • CT scan of the brain and orbits. The affected muscle is fusiformly thickened. When examining the orbit in the axial projection, exophthalmos of moderate severity is detected. The volume of muscle tissue and eyelids is increased. The retrobulbar space is not changed.
  • Non-contact tonometry. Intraocular pressure is increased. With additional electronic tonography, there are no changes in the circulation of intraocular fluid.
  • Biomicroscopy of the eye. When examining the anterior segment of the eyeball, reporting and injection of conjunctival vessels are revealed. The transparency of the cornea is not reduced. The relief of the iris is preserved.
  • Gonioscopy. The anterior chamber of the eyes is medium in size. The aqueous humor is completely transparent. With the traumatic nature of the disease, an admixture of blood is detected in the intraocular fluid.
  • Ophthalmoscopy. When examining the fundus, a pale pink optic disc with clear boundaries is visualized. The arteries are narrowed. Macular reflexes are preserved. A “transverse stripe” is found on the retina.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with neoplasms of the orbit and endocrine ophthalmopathy. With a progressive tumor of the orbit, the pain syndrome is less pronounced, the relationship with eye movements is practically not traced. With myositis, the muscles are affected along the entire length, while with endocrine ophthalmopathy this occurs only in limited areas.

Treatment of orbital myositis

Therapeutic tactics depend on the causes of the disease. Etiotropic therapy is used only when myositis occurs against the background of an infectious pathology. In case of traumatic genesis, surgical intervention is performed, aimed at restoring the integrity of the affected muscle. Conservative treatment of the disease includes:

  • Antibiotics. In the treatment of myositis, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are used. Medicines are administered retrobulbarly. A short course of antibiotic therapy lasting 5-7 days is recommended.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines in this group are highly effective in mild cases of pathology. NSAIDs are prescribed for acute conditions or during exacerbations.
  • Hormonal drugs. Indicated for severe or complicated course and tendency to frequent relapses. Glucocorticosteroids are often used in the treatment of idiopathic myositis in the absence of effect from NSAIDs.
  • Angioprotectors. Vascular strengthening agents prevent excessive exudation and the growth of edema. Strengthening the vascular wall allows you to avoid the development of complications from the retina.
  • Radiotherapy. It is used to treat resistant forms of the disease and to prevent relapses in case of insufficient effectiveness of the classical treatment regimen. Irradiation with a dose of 20 Gy is administered to the lateral wall of the orbit.

After eliminating the acute inflammatory process, physiotherapeutic treatment is prescribed. Electrophoresis of antibacterial drugs is used alternately in combination with antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids. In parallel, osmotherapy is carried out. Antihypertensive drugs are ineffective.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for acute orbital myositis is favorable. In a chronic course, relapses of the disease are possible. Specific preventive measures have not been developed. Nonspecific prevention comes down to following safety precautions (use of glasses, masks) when working in a production environment, and timely removal of decorative cosmetics. The patient should be under dynamic observation by an ophthalmologist for three months after relief of symptoms. The development of repeated attacks requires the appointment of anti-relapse therapy using radio wave methods.

Neuralgia of ocular localization

Sluder (Sluder G., 1908) syndrome of neuralgia of the pterygopalatine ganglion. This node is located under the mucous membrane of the outer wall of the nose at the posterior end of its middle concha. It is associated with branches of the trigeminal and facial nerves, the sympathetic plexus of the internal carotid artery and the ciliary ganglion. Fibers innervating the lacrimal gland pass through it. It is affected as a result of inflammatory and tumor processes developing in the main or ethmoid sinuses, tonsillitis and odontogenic infection. Main symptoms: paroxysmal oculo-orbital pain, as well as secretory and vasomotor disorders affecting the organ of vision. The pain is usually sharp, “shooting” in nature. They are accompanied by blepharospasm, photophobia, lacrimation, edema of the upper eyelid, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal hyperesthesia, mydriasis, and sometimes a transient increase in IOP. Treatment: cocaine blockade of the nasal mucosa in the area where the node is located (during an attack of pain), etiological therapy.

Hageman-Pochtman (Hageman, 1959 - Pochtman SM., 1958) ciliary (ciliary) ganglion syndrome. This node is located

20 mm behind the posterior pole of the eye under the external rectus muscle, adjacent in this zone to the surface of the optic nerve. The syndrome occurs as a result of inflammatory processes developing in the paranasal sinuses or in the orbit, as well as due to infectious diseases, especially influenza and herpes. Main symptoms: unilateral mydriasis with absence of pupillary reactions to light and convergence, corneal hyposthesia, weakening or paralysis of accommodation. These changes can be combined with pain in the depths of the orbit and headaches. Treatment is etiological and symptomatic.

Charlina (Charlina S, 1931) syndrome of neuralgia of the nasociliary nerve. This nerve, through its branches, takes part in the innervation of the anterior part of the eye, the anterior third of the nasal cavity, as well as the skin surface of the eyelids at the upper inner corner of the orbit, forehead, root and tip of the nose. The syndrome, in full or partial form, occurs due to sinusitis, nasopharyngeal adenoids, facial injuries and some other reasons. It develops acutely, with the appearance of oculo-orbital pain. They are accompanied by blepharospasm, photophobia and lacrimation. Changes in the anterior part of the eye can be represented by epithelial, ulcerative and even hypopyon keratitis, as well as iridocyclitis with precipitates. From the corresponding nasal passage, the mucous membrane of which is swollen and hyperemic, secretion is released abundantly and in paroxysms. Treatment is etiological and symptomatic.

Neuralgia of ocular localization

Slyuder syndrome - neuralgia of the pterygopalatine ganglion. This node is located under the mucous membrane of the outer wall of the nose at the posterior end of its middle concha. It is associated with branches of the trigeminal and facial nerves, the sympathetic plexus of the internal carotid artery and the ciliary ganglion. Fibers innervating the lacrimal gland pass through it. It is affected as a result of inflammatory and tumor processes developing in the main and ethmoid sinuses, tosillitis and odontogenic infection.

Main symptoms: paroxysmal oculo-orbital pain, secretory and vasomotor disorders affecting the organ of vision. The pain is acute, shooting in nature, accompanied by blepharospasm, photophobia, lacrimation, edema of the upper eyelid, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal hyperesthesia, mydriasis, and sometimes a transient increase in IOP.

Treatment: novocaine blockade of the nasal mucosa and the area where the node is located (during an attack of pain), etiological therapy.

Hageman-Pochtman syndrome is a syndrome of the ciliary (ciliary) ganglion. This node is located 20 cm behind the posterior pole of the eye under the external rectus muscle, adjacent to the surface of the optic nerve in this area. The syndrome occurs as a result of inflammatory processes developing in the paranasal sinuses or in the orbit, due to infectious diseases, especially influenza and herpes.

Main symptoms: unilateral mydriasis with absence of pupillary reactions to light and convergence, corneal hyposthesia, weakening or paralysis of accommodation. These changes can be combined with pain in the depths of the orbit and headaches.

Treatment is etiological and symptomatic.

Charlene nasociliary neuralgia syndrome. This nerve, through its branches, takes part in the innervation of the anterior part of the eye, the anterior third of the nasal cavity, as well as the skin surface of the eyelids at the upper inner corner of the orbit, forehead, root and tip of the nose. The syndrome, in full or partial form, occurs due to sinusitis, nasopharyngeal adenoids, facial injuries and other causes.

It develops acutely, with the appearance of oculo-orbital pain. They are accompanied by blepharospasm, photophobia and lacrimation. Changes in the anterior part of the eye can be represented by epithelial, ulcerative and even hypopyon keratitis, as well as iridocyclitis with precipitates. From the corresponding nasal passage, the mucous membrane of which is swollen and hyperemic, secretion is released abundantly and in paroxysms.

Facial neuralgia: causes, symptoms and treatment

The facial nerve is the 7th pair of cranial nerves and consists primarily of motor fibers that are responsible for the movement of facial muscles. Each half of the face is innervated by its own facial nerve. When the nerve is damaged, paresis (muscle weakness) or plegia (lack of movement) occurs in the facial muscles. The term “neuralgia of the facial nerve” is not entirely correct, since neuralgia refers to damage to the nerve, which is accompanied by severe pain because the sensitive fibers in the nerve are affected. The facial nerve contains a small number of gustatory, pain and secretory fibers, so the term "neuropathy" would be more accurate.

Facial nerve neuropathy or, in other words, “Bell's palsy” occurs in 25 people per 100 thousand population. Men and women are affected equally often.

Causes

In 80% of cases, it is not possible to identify the cause of the disease. In other cases, there are a number of predisposing and provoking factors:

The peak incidence occurs in the autumn and spring, when windy weather sets in and people do not wear hats.

  • Compression of the facial nerve by a tumor.
  • Infectious and inflammatory processes (otitis, parotitis) of a viral and bacterial nature.
  • Traumatic nerve damage (wounds, skull fractures).
  • Diabetes.
  • Pregnancy.

Under the influence of various factors, there is a violation of microcirculation and the development of edema, which leads to compression of the nerve and a violation of the conduction of excitation in it.

Symptoms

To understand what makes up the clinical picture of damage to the facial nerve, consider where it is located and what it is responsible for.

Between the pons and the medulla oblongata are the nuclei of the facial nerve. The processes of the cells that form the nuclei go to the base of the brain, where they approach the temporal bone. In the temporal bone there is a canal of the facial nerve, through which the nerve passes, then it exits to the surface of the face through the stylomastoid foramen, penetrating the parotid salivary gland, next to the external auditory meatus. In the canal of the temporal bone, branches depart from it, which innervate the taste buds on the tongue, the lacrimal glands and the tympanic membrane. On the face, it is divided into several branches that innervate the facial muscles.

Thanks to the facial nerve, we can smile, close our eyes, wrinkle our forehead, puff out our cheeks, make faces, show an angry or joyful face, we can cry with tears, taste the tip of the tongue.

Levels of damage to the facial nerve can be different, most lesions occur in the narrow canal of the temporal bone. As a rule, neuropathy of the facial nerve develops acutely within a couple of hours, less than a day. A person has a smoothness of the skin folds on the face, the face "sags" on the side of the lesion. A person cannot wrinkle his forehead, close his eyes (he remains open - Bell's symptom), cannot hold food in his mouth, as the muscles of the cheeks and lips become weak, lose the ability to raise an eyebrow. If you ask a person to curl his lips or whistle, he will not be able to do it. The cheek swells when talking (symptom of “sail”), speech becomes slurred, the corner of the mouth is lowered down. Due to weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle, tear fluid accumulates, causing lacrimation.

When the fibers responsible for the functioning of the lacrimal gland are damaged, dry eyes develop. Taste sensitivity in the tongue may change, and pain in the parotid gland may appear.

The degrees of damage to the facial nerve are distinguished:

Paresis (weakness) of the facial muscles is mild and can be detected upon careful examination. A slight drooping of the corner of the mouth and squinting of the eyelid with force may be detected. Facial expressions are preserved.

Paresis of facial muscles is noticeable, but does not disfigure the face. The eye closes with effort, the forehead can be wrinkled.

Disfiguring facial asymmetry occurs. It is impossible to wrinkle the forehead, the eye partially closes.

Movements in the facial muscles are barely noticeable. The eye practically does not close, the forehead does not move.

  • Extremely severe degree of total plegia.

There is complete absence of movement on the affected side of the face. The most unfavorable prognosis in terms of restoration of facial expressions.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic measures include a number of laboratory and instrumental studies that are aimed at establishing the cause of the disease:

  • Examination by a neurologist.
  • General blood analysis.
  • ENMG (electromyography). The method allows you to accurately determine the level of damage to the facial nerve.
  • X-ray of the temporal bone, paranasal sinuses (search for pathology of the ENT organs).
  • MRI of the brain (search for a brain tumor, stroke or other processes).

Treatment

Timely treatment in half of the cases leads to a person’s complete recovery. The later treatment is started, the worse the prognosis. Treatment only in a hospital; includes several areas:

  1. Medical treatment.
  • Glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone). The main treatment is aimed at relieving swelling in the temporal bone canal and improving microcirculation, therefore hormones are prescribed from the first days of the disease.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Meloxicam, Nise). Used to relieve inflammation, reduce pain in the parotid region.
  • B vitamins (Combilipen, Neurobion). Thanks to B vitamins, nervous tissue is restored much better and faster.
  • Vasoactive drugs (Pentoxifylline). Improves microcirculation at the site of injury.
  • Metabolic agents (Actovegin). Drugs in this group improve the trophism of nerve fibers and promote rapid restoration of the myelin sheath of the nerve.
  • Eye drops and ointments. Prescribed for dry eyes, preventing the development of corneal inflammation or ulceration.
  • Antiviral drugs (Acyclovir). Given the proven role of viruses in the development of facial neuralgia, these drugs are prescribed from the first days of the disease.
  • Antibacterial drugs (Ceftriaxone). Used if the role of bacterial infection in the development of the disease has been proven.
  • Anticholinesterase drugs (Neuromidin). They provide better impulse conduction from the nerve to the muscle. Appointed during the recovery period.
  1. Physiotherapy (electrophoresis). Physiotherapy procedures have proven themselves well, especially in the early recovery period.
  2. Adhesive traction is used to prevent the muscles from getting used to the new position.
  3. Exercise therapy. Gymnastics of facial muscles should be carried out several times a day, regularly. To restore speech, articulatory gymnastics is necessary.
  4. Surgery. These are plastic surgeries that are aimed at replacing the facial nerve with another nerve fiber in the absence of results from other treatment methods.

Forecast

Complete recovery occurs in most cases (70%). In other cases, there remains incomplete restoration of the work of facial muscles. Total and severe plegia have a low percentage of positive results after treatment. Some people develop muscle contractures, which are spasmed muscles with involuntary twitching and are accompanied by severe pain in these muscles.

There are a number of unfavorable prognostic factors:

  • Combination of facial nerve neuropathy with diabetes mellitus.
  • Development of dry eye.
  • Elderly age.
  • Hypertonic disease.
  • Deep damage to the facial nerve according to ENMG.

Facial nerve neuropathy does not affect the general condition of the body, but it affects the social and psychological aspects of a person’s life, disfiguring the face. Timely diagnosis and treatment in most cases lead to a person’s complete recovery and return to normal activities.

Neurologist E. Lyakhova talks about neuropathy of the facial nerve.

With myositis of the eye, one or more external muscles become inflamed. The disease is quite rare and is often treated quickly, but severe forms of inflammation can lead to atrophy of the eye muscle and complete loss of vision. Let's find out why this pathology occurs and how it is treated.

Inflammation of the eye muscle: features of the disease

Ocular myositis occurs predominantly in men over 30 years of age who lead a sedentary lifestyle and whose professional activities involve a heavy load on the visual organs. Inflammation most often takes a one-sided form. Myositis of the oculomotor muscles can be primary or secondary. The first occurs as a result of autoimmune diseases, when the body's cells attack its own tissues, and not just harmful ones. Because of this, the eye muscles increase in size and thicken. This leads to swelling of the eyelids. Symptoms of secondary myositis can vary. They depend on the factors that provoked the disease.

The main causes of ocular myositis

Inflammation of the eye muscle of the secondary type occurs due to exposure to toxic substances and other unfavorable factors on the eyes. The most common causes of pathology:

  • mechanical injuries of the eyeballs, including burns;
  • constant strain on the eyes in the absence of therapeutic exercises to relax the eye muscles;
  • infectious ophthalmological diseases of viral, fungal or bacterial etiology;
  • eye surgeries;
  • alcohol abuse, intoxication with narcotic substances and industrial poisons;
  • hypothermia.

Other factors can also provoke inflammation of the eye muscles. There are cases when myositis becomes a consequence of a stressful situation or mental stress.

How does myositis manifest?

This disease can occur in acute and chronic form, and can be unilateral or bilateral. The intensity of symptoms varies. Symptoms are determined by the causes of the pathology, the state of immunity, and the age of the patient. Characteristic symptoms ocular myositis:

  • bursting pain in the eyeball, intensifying when moving it;
  • swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva, which leads to a narrowing of the palpebral fissure;
  • tearfulness;
  • increased photosensitivity;
  • exophthalmos - outward displacement of the eye;
  • poor mobility of the eyeball;
  • headache from the inflammatory process;
  • increase in body temperature.

The disease is acute in infectious eye diseases. If inflammation occurs due to hypothermia or problems with the immune system, then its signs are not so intense.

Modern methods for diagnosing myositis

The doctor must accurately determine the nature of the disease, its degree and form of progression. For this purpose, several diagnostic procedures are prescribed:

  • visual acuity test;
  • serological blood testing used to detect viruses and bacteria;
  • computed tomography and/or MRI;
  • tonometry;
  • examination of the anterior chamber of the eye - gonioscopy;
  • biomicroscopy;
  • ophthalmoscopy;
  • electromyography.

After carrying out all these procedures and making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor determines the method of treating ocular myositis. What treatment methods for this pathology are used today?

Modern methods of treating inflammation of the eye muscle

The disease is treated with conservative methods. The patient is prescribed medications and physiotherapeutic procedures. Etiotropic treatment aimed at destroying viruses or bacteria is used only when the disease is of infectious origin.

Depending on a particular form of the disease, the following types are used: medicines and procedures:

  • antibiotics injected subcutaneously into the lower eyelid area;
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help eliminate pain and inflammation;
  • angioprotectors that strengthen blood vessels, which helps prevent the development of pathologies of the retina;
  • Radiotherapy and physiotherapy are prescribed in courses if there is no effect from medications.

Eye injuries that result in damage to the eye muscles are sometimes treated with surgery. During the operation, the structure of injured muscle fibers is restored. The acute form of myositis is treated for approximately 4-6 weeks. If it is chronic, treatment is delayed. It takes 2 months to completely get rid of it. In this case, the patient is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist at least once every 2 months after recovery for the first six months.

Prevention of ocular myositis

How to prevent the development of this pathology? You need to take care of your health, toughen up, strengthen your immune system, do eye exercises several times a day, especially with increased visual stress, and play sports. If you work in adverse conditions, wear a protective mask or goggles.

Don't start the disease. At the first symptoms, consult a doctor. If left untreated, myositis can cause complete loss of vision.

Do you work in an office and spend a lot of time at the computer? You may have an unpleasant encounter with myositis!

Myositis is the general name for a group of diseases that are accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process in skeletal muscles.

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (abbreviated ICD-10) defines myositis as inflammation of the muscles, but it's not that simple. Myositis is included in the class “Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue,” which includes blocks M60-M63 (myositis code M60). This code hides 55 (!) varieties of the disease. Most diseases have their own causes, symptoms, localization and methods of treatment. First things first.

Causes of the disease

Myositis often accompanies professions whose representatives are forced to occupy a static position for a long time and use the same muscle group. This is a significant factor, but far from the only one. Here's what else contributes to the development of myositis:

Symptoms of myositis

Such an insidious disease has enough direct and indirect signs:

  1. aching dull pain;
  2. muscle inflammation;
  3. swelling and redness of the affected area;
  4. increased body temperature;
  5. muscle weakness (up to atrophy);
  6. persistence of pain even in a calm state and after rest;
  7. difficulty moving;
  8. rash.

Types and localization

Firstly, when making a diagnosis, you need to answer a simple question: “Where does it hurt?” Depending on the location of pain, myositis can be:

  • cervical The most common type. Most adults have experienced morning neck pain at some point;
  • myositis of the chest. Accompanied by cough, difficulty breathing;
  • intercostal Pain during palpation increases;
  • myositis of the lumbar muscles. Accompanied by aching pain, intensifies after physical activity;
  • myositis of the extremities. This is myositis of the elbow, hip, knee joint;
  • myositis of the abdominal muscles. Causes pain in the peritoneum;
  • ophthalmic. It impedes the activity of the muscles responsible for the movement of the eyeball.

Secondly, it is necessary to understand at what stage the disease is - chronic or acute. It matters how local the disease is and how many muscles are affected - one or several (polymyositis).

Third, the accuracy of diagnosis depends on the causes of the disease. According to its genesis, myositis can be:

Women waiting for the birth of a baby often encounter an unpleasant surprise. It can be lumbar myositis or myositis of the back muscles. There are enough reasons for the development of the disease:

  • the center of gravity of the body shifts;
  • the body of the expectant mother has been in a static, non-physiological position for a long time;
  • ligaments relax under the influence of the hormone relaxin;
  • autoimmune processes are launched in the body;
  • convulsions may occur;
  • the body is more susceptible to stress.

Medicine can help a pregnant woman, but before contacting a direct specialist, the expectant mother should consult a gynecologist. No self-medication, mommies! Remember that during pregnancy the use of many drugs is strictly prohibited.

Obviously, muscle myositis is a truly serious illness that can lead to complications, but there is no need to panic.

Where to start treating myositis? We need to find out which doctor is treating him. Therapist, surgeon, neurologist and rheumatologist - a team for saving muscles and joints in adults and children. Necessary tests will suggest the causes of the disease and further actions in the treatment of myositis.

Tests for myositis

Analyzes will give an idea of ​​the processes occurring in the body:

For a complete diagnosis, the patient will be sent for instrumental studies:

  • biopsy. A small piece of muscle tissue is removed through a small incision and then examined under a microscope. This study is carried out in difficult cases when autoimmune myositis is suspected;
  • Magnetic resonance imaging . Identifies areas damaged by disease;
  • electromyography. Finds muscles that are weak and affected by myositis.

Myositis treatment

The list of procedures that will save muscles is also quite extensive:

  1. wave therapy;
  2. kinesiotherapy (special gymnastic exercises);
  3. oxygen therapy;
  4. treatment with leeches;
  5. bee treatment;
  6. lymphatic drainage massage;
  7. magnetic therapy;
  8. manual therapy;
  9. plasma therapy;
  10. mud therapy.

For autoimmune myositis, treatment involves complex drug therapy, including glucocorticoid hormones, sometimes for life.

Drug treatment of myositis

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) effectively relieve pain, relieve inflammation, swelling and hyperemia of the skin. These include the following drugs and their analogues:

    • Diclofenac (Diclac, Naklofen, Dicloberl, Boltaren, Olfen, Diclobene, Feloran, Diclonat P, Optophen, Diclovit).
    • Piroxicam (Pevmador, Sanikam).
    • Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Pedea, Brufen, Advil, Tsefekon, Ibufen).
    • Haproxen (Apranax, Nalgesin, Canaprox, Haprobene, Aleve).
    • Nimesulide (Nise, Himegesic, Aulin, Nimid, Nimesil, Pemesulid, Sulaydin).
    • Aceclofenac (Aertal, Acinac).
    • Dexketoprofen (Dexalgin, Flamadex).
    • Meloxicam (Movalis, Eumoxicam, Mataren, Oxycamox, Melbec, Melox, Meoflam).
    • Pofecoccib (Denebol).
    • Celecoxib (Zicel, Celebrex).
    • Indomethacin (Metindol).

Therapy with NSAID drugs often combines taking tablets with topical agents of the same pharmaceutical group:

    • Fastum gel.
    • Diclofenac gel.
    • Dolobene gel.
    • Deepleaf.
    • Boltaren emulgel.
    • Longit.
    • Nise gel.
    • Dolaren gel.
    • Finalgel.
    • Dicloran.
    • Quickly.
    • Artozilen.
    • Indomethacin gel, etc.

Antibiotics of various classes are used to treat infectious myositis:

    • penicillins (Benzylpenicillin, Bicillin);
    • tetracyclines and cephalosporins (Ceftriaxone, Cephalexin, Tercef, Cefotoxin).

In some situations, when the symptoms of the disease are complicated by muscle spasms, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants (Sirdalud, Myokalm). Drugs in this group relax skeletal muscles, stabilize blood circulation and the system of supplying the injured area with necessary microelements.

If myositis is treated in a hospital, so-called pulse therapy can be used. During this therapy, the patient is given injections of glucocorticosteroids, and mainly prednisolone. A dose of the drug of 1-2 grams is administered over 3-5 days. This treatment has an immunosuppressive and antiallergic effect.

Treatment of myositis at home

Recipes tested by our ancestors will allow you to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of myositis at home. The basis of folk treatment of myositis are ointments:

    • This recipe will relieve inflammation. Take dried chamomile flowers. They grind them into powder. Next, the plant material is mixed with olive oil 1:1. Rub the product into the sore muscle, wrap it up and leave it until the morning.
    • Regular lard will help with myositis. You need to take 4 parts of unsalted lard and grind it with 1 part of ground horsetail. The resulting mass is thoroughly rubbed into the sore spot, and a gauze bandage with the same composition is applied at night. The area on top must be covered with cellophane film and wrapped in a warm scarf. The minimum course of treatment is seven days.
    • For muscle diseases, this natural ointment is recommended. Take one chicken yolk, grind it and add one full teaspoon of gum turpentine. Next, pour one spoon of vinegar (apple vinegar) into the mixture. Beat the mixture until it becomes a thick jelly and rub it into the sore spot.
    • Bodyaga is a good remedy for pain and inflammation in myositis. You need to prepare the following ointment: take a little cow’s butter (vegetable oil will also do) for half a teaspoon of sponge powder (you can buy it at the pharmacy). They mix. The mixture is rubbed into the muscle before bedtime only once every 5 days. Then be sure to wrap the muscle warmly and leave the composition on the skin until the morning.

Another important component in the treatment of myositis at home is a potato compress. To prepare it, you need to boil the potatoes, mash them and put the resulting mass in cheesecloth. The compress is applied to the affected area and covered with warm clothes or a blanket. Remove the compress after the potato mixture in it has completely given up its heat. The procedure is repeated for 5 days. This medicine relieves pain and neutralizes inflammation.

A general tonic and strengthening effect on the body when treating myositis at home is provided by home-made tinctures:

    • The borage is poured with boiling water and infused in a thermos for 5 hours. For 1 teaspoon of herb, take 200 milliliters of boiling water. Drink 1 dessert spoon of infusion every hour during the day. The course of treatment takes 1 month. After two weeks it should be repeated.
    • For myositis you need to drink barberry tincture. To prepare it, only the bark of the plant is taken. For 8-10 g of raw materials you will need 80-100 ml of vodka. Infuse the mixture for 8-10 days. Take tincture 30 drops 45 minutes before meals. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated after a month.

Bay oil will help with myositis of the cervical spine. 12 drops of this ingredient are diluted with warm water, and then some material is dipped into this composition. The resulting compress is applied to the neck slightly below the back of the head for half an hour. The compress is wrapped on top with a warm scarf or shawl.