What is peripheral neuropathy?

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 is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves—the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord—are damaged or disrupted. These peripheral nerves are responsible for sending signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body, including muscles, skin, and organs. When these nerves are damaged, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances in the affected areas.

Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can affect different types of nerves, and its classification depends on which nerves are involved. There are three main types of nerves in the peripheral nervous system:

Sensory Nerves: These nerves carry sensations such as pain, temperature, touch, and vibration from the skin and muscles to the brain.
- Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, burning, or stabbing pain, often starting in the hands and feet (a condition called glove and stocking distribution), sensitivity to touch, or loss of reflexes.
Motor Nerves: These nerves control the movement of muscles by transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles.
- Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, difficulty with coordination or movement, and muscle atrophy in severe cases.
Autonomic Nerves: These nerves control involuntary body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder function.
- Symptoms: Dizziness or fainting due to a drop in blood pressure, digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, or bloating), bladder problems, abnormal sweating, and difficulty regulating body temperature.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can result from a wide range of underlying causes, including:

Diabetes: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common forms of peripheral neuropathy. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the nerves, particularly in the legs and feet.
Infections: Certain viral and bacterial infections, such as shingles (herpes zoster), HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and hepatitis C, can cause neuropathy.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can lead to nerve damage due to the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues.
Trauma or Injury: Physical injury or trauma, such as from a car accident, falls, or repetitive motion, can compress or damage nerves.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins such as B12, B1 (thiamine), and folate can lead to peripheral neuropathy. These nutrients are essential for nerve function and repair.
Toxins and Alcohol Abuse: Exposure to toxins (e.g., heavy metals, industrial chemicals) and chronic alcohol abuse can damage peripheral nerves.
Medications and Chemotherapy: Certain medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs, can cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect.
Inherited Disorders: Some genetic conditions, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, cause inherited forms of peripheral neuropathy.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Inadequate filtration of toxins in the body due to kidney failure can lead to nerve damage.
Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid can lead to fluid retention, which in turn puts pressure on peripheral nerves, causing neuropathy.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on which nerves are affected—sensory, motor, or autonomic—and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

Numbness or Tingling: Usually starting in the feet or hands and spreading up the legs or arms, this can feel like “pins and needles” or a burning sensation.
Sharp, Jabbing, or Burning Pain: Neuropathic pain can be intermittent or constant and may worsen at night.
Sensitivity to Touch: Even a light touch or pressure (such as bed sheets) can cause pain or discomfort.
Loss of Sensation: Some people experience a loss of feeling in the affected areas, which increases the risk of injuries, burns, or infections.
Muscle Weakness: If motor nerves are affected, individuals may have difficulty walking, maintaining balance, or gripping objects.
Coordination Issues: Loss of coordination and balance can lead to falls and difficulty performing tasks that require fine motor skills.
Autonomic Symptoms: Dizziness, fainting, difficulty with bladder control, digestive problems (constipation, diarrhea, or bloating), and excessive or reduced sweating.

Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy

Diagnosing peripheral neuropathy typically involves several steps:

Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will assess symptoms, underlying health conditions, family history, and potential exposure to toxins or medications that may cause neuropathy.
Neurological Examination: The doctor will check muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory responses (such as vibration, temperature, and touch) to identify signs of nerve damage.
Blood Tests: Blood tests may be used to identify underlying causes, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, or thyroid dysfunction.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG): These tests assess how well nerves are transmitting signals to muscles and can help identify the type and location of nerve damage.
Nerve Biopsy: In rare cases, a small piece of nerve tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the damage.
Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out conditions such as tumors, herniated discs, or structural abnormalities that may be pressing on the nerves.

Treatment and Management of Peripheral Neuropathy

The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on its cause and the severity of symptoms. The primary goals are to manage the underlying condition, relieve symptoms, and prevent further nerve damage. Common treatments include:

Medications for Symptom Relief
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs may help with mild pain, while prescription medications such as tramadol or opioids may be necessary for severe pain (though they carry the risk of dependence and side effects).
- Anticonvulsants: Medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin are often used to treat neuropathic pain by stabilizing nerve signals.
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (duloxetine), can help relieve nerve pain.
- Topical Treatments: Lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream can be applied to painful areas to provide localized relief.
Treating the Underlying Cause
- Diabetes Management: For diabetic neuropathy, strict blood sugar control is essential to prevent further nerve damage.
- Nutritional Support: If vitamin deficiencies are the cause, supplements such as vitamin B12, B1, or folate can help restore nerve health.
- Addressing Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions: Immunosuppressive drugs may be used to reduce inflammation and prevent further nerve damage in autoimmune-related neuropathy.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Exercise and Strengthening: Physical therapy can improve muscle strength, coordination, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and promoting independence in daily activities.
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists can help patients modify their environment and use assistive devices (e.g., braces, splints) to manage symptoms and maintain daily functioning.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Foot Care: For people with peripheral neuropathy, particularly those with diabetes, foot care is essential to prevent injuries and infections. Regular inspection, proper footwear, and maintaining foot hygiene are critical.
- Healthy Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in low-impact exercise can help improve circulation and nerve health.
Alternative Therapies
- Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture may help relieve neuropathic pain by stimulating nerve function and improving blood flow.
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): TENS uses electrical impulses to reduce pain signals and may help provide relief from neuropathic pain.
- Capsaicin Cream: Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin cream applied to the skin can help reduce pain by depleting a substance in the nerves that transmits pain signals.
Surgical Intervention
- In cases where a physical compression, such as a tumor or herniated disc, is causing nerve damage, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

Complications of Peripheral Neuropathy

If left untreated, peripheral neuropathy can lead to serious complications, such as:

Infections and Ulcers: Loss of sensation, especially in the feet, can lead to injuries that go unnoticed, increasing the risk of infections, foot ulcers, and, in severe cases, amputations.
Falls and Injuries: Impaired balance and muscle weakness increase the risk of falls and accidents.
Chronic Pain: Persistent neuropathic pain can become a chronic condition, significantly affecting the quality of life.
Autonomic Dysfunction: Severe autonomic neuropathy can lead to complications like heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, and bladder or sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of nerves affected. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms, preventing further nerve damage, and improving quality of life. By addressing the underlying cause, using appropriate medications, and incorporating lifestyle modifications, individuals with peripheral neuropathy can manage the condition and reduce its impact on daily life.

Jodi Knapp