Jodi Knapp

Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.

What are the common types of neuropathy?

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can be classified into several types based on the nerves affected, the underlying cause, and the distribution of nerve damage. Here are the most common types of neuropathy:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy

• Description: The most common type of neuropathy, affecting the peripheral nerves, which are located outside the brain and spinal cord.
• Symptoms: Typically begins in the hands and feet, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain. Muscle weakness and loss of coordination can also occur.
• Causes: Diabetes, infections, trauma, toxins, and certain medications are common causes.

2. Autonomic Neuropathy

• Description: Affects the autonomic nerves, which control involuntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control.
• Symptoms: Symptoms may include dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), digestive problems (such as constipation or diarrhea), bladder dysfunction, abnormal sweating, and sexual dysfunction.
• Causes: Diabetes is a common cause, but it can also result from autoimmune diseases, certain infections, or chronic alcohol use.

3. Focal Neuropathy (Mononeuropathy)

• Description: Involves damage to a single nerve or group of nerves, often in a specific area of the body.
• Symptoms: Symptoms depend on the affected nerve. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to compression of the median nerve.
• Causes: Repetitive motion injuries, localized trauma, or nerve compression are typical causes.

4. Polyneuropathy

• Description: Affects multiple peripheral nerves throughout the body, often symmetrically (such as in both feet or hands).
• Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, burning pain, and muscle weakness, typically starting in the feet and spreading upward. It can also affect the autonomic nerves, leading to additional symptoms.
• Causes: Diabetes is the leading cause, but other causes include chronic alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.

5. Diabetic Neuropathy

• Description: A specific type of peripheral neuropathy that is caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
• Symptoms: Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of sensation, usually starting in the feet and legs. It can also lead to autonomic symptoms like digestive issues, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction.
• Causes: Chronic high blood sugar levels damage the nerves over time.

6. Cranial Neuropathy

• Description: Affects the cranial nerves, which emerge directly from the brain and brainstem.
• Symptoms: Symptoms depend on which cranial nerve is affected. For example, optic neuropathy affects the optic nerve, leading to vision loss, while Bell’s palsy affects the facial nerve, causing facial weakness or paralysis.
• Causes: Causes include diabetes, infections, trauma, and certain autoimmune conditions.

7. Proximal Neuropathy (Diabetic Amyotrophy)

• Description: A type of neuropathy that affects the nerves in the hips, thighs, or buttocks, usually on one side of the body.
• Symptoms: Symptoms include severe pain in the hip, thigh, or buttock, followed by muscle weakness in the affected leg. It can lead to difficulty standing up from a seated position.
• Causes: Most commonly seen in people with diabetes, particularly older adults.

8. Idiopathic Neuropathy

• Description: Neuropathy with no identifiable cause is termed idiopathic neuropathy.
• Symptoms: Symptoms are similar to those of other forms of neuropathy, including pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.
• Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but it is more common in older adults.

9. Inherited Neuropathy

• Description: These are neuropathies that are passed down through families due to genetic mutations.
• Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on the specific disorder but often include progressive muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and difficulty with coordination.
• Examples: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is the most common inherited neuropathy.

10. Entrapment Neuropathy

• Description: Occurs when a nerve is compressed or trapped, leading to nerve damage.
• Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on the location of the entrapment but may include pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome (affecting the median nerve in the wrist) and ulnar neuropathy (affecting the ulnar nerve in the elbow).
• Causes: Causes include repetitive motion, physical injury, or anatomical abnormalities.

11. Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

• Description: A type of peripheral neuropathy caused by certain chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment.
• Symptoms: Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet, which may develop gradually during or after chemotherapy.
• Causes: Neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs damage the peripheral nerves.

12. Postherpetic Neuralgia

• Description: A form of neuropathy that occurs after an outbreak of shingles (herpes zoster).
• Symptoms: Persistent, severe pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred, often described as burning, stabbing, or aching.
• Causes: Nerve damage caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox and shingles.

Each type of neuropathy has unique characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial for alleviating symptoms and preventing further nerve damage.