Arnold's nerve and visual disturbance: what is the link?

Share with your concerned loved ones
4.8
(8)

You experience migraines, pain in the back, neck, neck, eyes and visual disturbances ? Wondering what is it? Arnold's neuralgia often goes hand in hand with these symptoms. But is there a link between Arnold's neuralgia and visual disturbances ? If yes, which ones ? We take stock in this article.

Definition and anatomy

We know that the cervical spine supports our head and keeps it on the rest of the body. This part of the spine contains cervical nerves. Those coming from the posterior branch of the second cervical nerve constitute the origin of the occipital nerves. They are three in number, the main one being the large occipital, also called arnold's nerve.

Its path crosses the muscles of the head, to traverse and innervate the scalp. Along their paths, these occipital nerves can become irritated, inflamed, or injured. That's what we call " Arnold's neuralgia ».

For more information on this subject, consult the detailed article on Arnold's neuralgia, click here.

The visual system, on the other hand, is made up of the eye, vessels and optic nerves. Moreover, several nerves are related to the visual system: the supra-orbital nerve which is itself a branch of the ophthalmic nerve and communicates at the same time with the great occipital nerve.

What are the links between Arnold's neuralgia and visual disturbances?

Until now, there have been few studies on the subject. Thus, the scientific evidence is not sufficient to corroborate the existence of concrete links between Arnold's neuralgia and visual disturbances.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:  Arnold's neuralgia: Possible complications (What to do?)

The hypotheses are based only on anatomical theories. In effect, the link between Arnold's neuralgia and visual disturbances can be explained by the proximity, from an anatomical point of view, between Arnold's nerve and the visual system.

This is why oculomuscular disorders and oculomotor abnormalities involve muscles and nerves close to the visual system.

Moreover, arnold's neuralgia symptoms can also highlight the link between this disorder and those of the visual systems. In reality, this pathology is sometimes accompanied by visual disturbances which are manifested by:

  • blurred vision;
  • double vision;
  • photophobia;
  • inability to drive;
  • the tears that flow;
  • sore eyes;
  • inability to drive.

The appearance of these symptoms in people who suffer from la Arnold's neuralgia suggests that the latter is related to disorders of the visual system and vice versa. In fact, there are other cases that support this link between occipital nerves and nervous systems. For example, in cases where:

  • visual defects, such as convergence problems or the wearing of glasses with progressive lenses, cause dorso-cervical pain, that is to say in the back, neck and neck;
  • strabismus and oculomotor abnormalities also tend to cause postural disturbances. Indeed, the muscles will be mobilized and overworked to find and adopt the position that allows for better vision. This leads to premature wear of the intervertebral discs. Since the latter contain the origin of the nerve roots, the risk of nerve damage increases accordingly.

If so, we can conclude that Arnold's neuralgia can be accompanied by visual disturbances and that eye disorders can cause problems with these nerves.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:  Arnold's nerve and alcohol: what is the link?

What to do ?

Conventional treatment of Arnold's neuralgia

The arnold's neuralgia symptoms can be treated by taking paracetamol along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If the pain persists, it will be necessary to resort to injections of local anesthetic and cortisone. This is intended to relieve pain and muscle spasms as well as reduce inflammation of the nerve.

The effects of these injections are observed gradually from the second day after administration. The duration of action of this treatment ranges from 2 to 10 days depending on the case.

In addition, the use of corticosteroid infiltration or surgery can take place in more serious situations.

Alternative treatments

However, alternative treatments such as using natural remedies or Chinese medicine can also be of great help in improving the patient's condition. We can mention for example the use of the essential oil of wintergreen combined with a neutral oil to relieve pain and relax the muscles.

On the other hand, the practice of a few exercises based on simple movements, repeated two to three times a day is effective in strengthening the cervical and back. Added to this is active walking for 15 minutes a day to stimulate blood circulation. This is recommended especially during painful episodes.

In addition, kinesitherapy (physiotherapy), the use of hot or cold and massages also allow relieve the symptoms of occipital nerve inflammation.

Treating Underlying Visual Problems

It is more advisable to consult an ophthalmologist, who will be able to give the necessary solutions and recommendations to improve vision. The latter can then propose the wearing of glasses, the limitation of screens, etc.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:  Arnold's nerve: Anatomy and course (explained)

In summary, there are probably links between Arnold's neuralgia and disorders of the visual system. Only medical professionals can confirm whether your vision problems are related to your neck pain or if there are other underlying conditions. They are the only ones capable of clarifying the diagnosis and directing you towards treatment adapted to your case.

References

https://www.opticiensparconviction.fr/notre-vue-peut-elle-etre-responsable-de-douleurs-cervicales

https://www.docteurclic.com/problemes-de-vue-nevralgie-d-arnold/temoignage-5991.aspx

Was this article helpful to you?

Indicate your appreciation of the article

Readers rating 4.8 / 5. Number of votes 8

If you have benefited from this article

Please share it with your loved ones

thank you for your comeback

How can we improve the article?

Back to top