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Peripheral Neuropathy: What You Need to Know

A peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These peripheral nerves carry signals between the brain and the body as a whole. It is common for peripheral neuropathy to cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, coordination problems, digestion problems, and urinary problems. Diabetes, injuries, infections, toxins, or inherited disorders may cause peripheral neuropathy. In some cases, the cause may not be known. Your doctor can diagnose peripheral neuropathy based on a medical history, physical exam, and tests. Your symptoms can be improved with some treatments and further nerve damage can be prevented. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. We will discuss peripheral neuropathy's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in this blog post.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by many factors that damage the peripheral nerves. Some of the most common causes are:

• Diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time. This is called diabetic neuropathy, and it affects up to 50% of people with diabetes.

• Injuries. Trauma to the nerves from accidents, falls, or surgery can cause nerve damage. This is called traumatic neuropathy.

• Infections. Some infections can affect the nerves directly or indirectly. Examples include shingles, Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, leprosy, syphilis, and hepatitis C.

• Toxins. Exposure to certain chemicals or drugs can harm the nerves. Examples include alcohol, chemotherapy drugs, heavy metals, solvents, and insecticides.

• Inherited disorders. Some genetic conditions can affect the development or function of the nerves. Examples include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and Fabry disease.

Other possible causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Autoimmune diseases. These are conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

• Metabolic problems. These are conditions that affect the body’s ability to use or store energy. Examples include kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and vitamin deficiencies.

• Tumors. These are abnormal growths of cells that can compress or invade the nerves. Examples include benign or malignant tumors of the nerve tissue or surrounding structures.

• Idiopathic neuropathy. This is a term used when no specific cause of peripheral neuropathy can be identified.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which type of nerve is affected: sensory, motor, or autonomic.

Sensory nerves are responsible for transmitting sensations such as touch, temperature, pain, and vibration from the skin to the brain.

Motor nerves are responsible for controlling muscle movement and strength.

Autonomic nerves are responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, digestion, and bladder control.

Some common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. This may spread to other parts of the body over time.

• Pain in the affected areas. This may be sharp, stabbing, burning, throbbing, or electric-like.

• Sensitivity to touch or temperature changes. This may cause discomfort or pain even from mild stimuli.

• Muscle weakness or cramps in the affected areas. This may affect your ability to walk or perform daily activities.

• Loss of balance or coordination. This may increase your risk of falls or injuries.

• Problems with digestion or urination. This may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, incontinence, or sexual dysfunction.

• Changes in blood pressure or heart rate. This may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or irregular heartbeat.

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may vary in severity and duration depending on the cause and extent of nerve damage. They may also fluctuate over time or worsen with certain activities or conditions.

Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy

To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, exposure to toxins, and family history of neurological diseases.

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam to check your reflexes, muscle strength and tone, sensation, and balance and coordination.

Your doctor may order some tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of your peripheral neuropathy.

Some of these tests are:

• Blood tests. These can detect low levels of vitamins, diabetes, signs of inflammation, or metabolic issues that can cause peripheral neuropathy.

• Imaging tests. These can look for herniated disks, pinched nerves, growths, or other problems affecting the blood vessels and bones. Examples include CT or MRI scans.

• Nerve function tests. These can measure and record the electrical activity and response of your nerves and muscles. Examples include electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

• Nerve or skin biopsy. These involve taking a small sample of nerve or skin tissue to examine under a microscope. This can help determine the type and extent of nerve damage.

Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy

The treatment of peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause and severity of your condition.

The main goals of treatment are to:

• Manage the underlying condition that is causing your peripheral neuropathy. This may involve taking medications, following a diet and exercise plan, avoiding toxins, or treating infections.

• Relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. This may involve taking medications, using non-drug therapies, or undergoing surgery.

• Prevent further nerve damage and complications. This may involve monitoring your condition regularly, taking preventive measures, or seeking medical attention promptly.

Some of the treatments that can help you with peripheral neuropathy are:

• Medications. These can help reduce pain, inflammation, or nerve damage. Examples include pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, steroids, and immunosuppressants.

• Non-drug therapies. These can help improve blood flow, nerve function, or muscle strength. Examples include physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and biofeedback.

• Surgery. This can help relieve pressure or compression on the nerves or remove tumors or other growths that are causing nerve damage.

Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy

Some cases of peripheral neuropathy may not be preventable, especially if they are caused by inherited disorders or unknown factors.

However, you can take some steps to reduce your risk of developing or worsening peripheral neuropathy, such as:

• Managing your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. This can help prevent or delay diabetic neuropathy.

• Avoiding or limiting your exposure to toxins that can harm your nerves. This includes alcohol, tobacco, drugs, chemicals, and heavy metals.

• Eating a balanced diet that provides enough vitamins and minerals for your nerves. This includes vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and magnesium.

• Exercising regularly to improve your blood circulation and muscle health. This can also help control your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

• Protecting your feet from injuries or infections if you have numbness or reduced sensation in them. This includes wearing comfortable shoes, checking your feet daily, and treating any cuts or sores promptly.

• Seeking medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further nerve damage and complications.

The disorder peripheral neuropathy affects millions of people worldwide. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, you can manage your condition and live a fulfilling life. It can cause various symptoms that affect your physical and mental well-being. A qualified health care professional or your doctor can provide you with more information and guidance about peripheral neuropathy.