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 main causes of neuropathy?
Neuropathy can be brought about by a variety of factors, and the root causes are usually grouped into medical conditions, lifestyle, physical trauma, and genetic or familial. The following are the main reasons for neuropathy:
1. Medical Conditions
Certain chronic or systemic diseases can damage nerves over time and lead to neuropathy. Some common conditions with neuropathy are:
Diabetes: The most common cause of neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, which occurs when high blood sugar levels lead to the degeneration of nerves over time.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Kidney dysfunction can lead to a toxic accumulation in the blood, which can affect nerve function.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can lead to metabolic disturbances that damage nerves.
Liver Disease: Liver conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis can lead to toxin accumulation and nerve damage.
Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Guillain-Barré syndrome can cause the immune system to attack the nerves, leading to inflammation and damage.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections like HIV/AIDS, shingles (herpes zoster), Lyme disease, and hepatitis C can damage peripheral nerves.
Cancer: Certain cancers or cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy) can lead to nerve damage, known as chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle or environmental elements can predispose to neuropathy:
Alcoholism: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic neuropathy, most often secondary to nutritional deficiencies (specifically vitamin B1 or thiamine).
Poor Diet: Inadequate nutrition, especially the absence of B vitamins (such as B12, B6, and folate), causes nerve injury. This is especially so in patients with poor diet or malabsorption.
Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals (i.e., lead or mercury) or industrial chemicals can lead to neuropathy.
3. Physical Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma or injury may result in damage to the nerves due to injuries involving the nerves, including:
Physical trauma: Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries may result in compression or direct damage to the nerves.
Nerve compression: Specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve of the wrist is compressed, or sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is compressed, might lead to neuropathy.
Repetitive strain: Repetitive motion injuries, like typing on a computer or operating equipment, can lead to nerve compression and neuropathy after a long time.
4. Medications and Medical Treatments
Some treatments and drugs could have neuropathy as a side effect
Chemotherapy Drugs: Chemotherapy drugs such as platinum drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin) and taxanes are known to cause nerve damage as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Antibiotics: Some antibiotics such as metronidazole or fluoroquinolones are known to cause nerve damage.
Antiviral Drugs: Some antiviral drugs, especially those used in the treatment of HIV, are known to cause neuropathy.
Statins: While rare, neuropathy can occur in some individuals on statin medications for cholesterol control.
5. Genetic or Hereditary Factors
Others may inherit a risk for neuropathy, such as:
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: It is a hereditary condition that happens in the peripheral nerves, which leads to progressive muscle weakness and sensory loss.
Hereditary Neuropathy: Some genetic diseases cause neuropathy to become visible over time, with symptoms emerging in childhood or early adulthood.
6. Other Causes
Other conditions that result in neuropathy are:
Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins, particularly B12, B1 (thiamine), B6, and E, can lead to nerve damage.
Exposure to Toxins: Long-term exposure to industrial toxins, such as pesticides, solvents, or herbicides, can cause neuropathy.
Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as sarcoidosis or vasculitis, can damage nerves.
Increased Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): Apart from diabetes, conditions that cause chronic high blood sugar can damage the nerves over time.
Common Risk Factors for Neuropathy
In addition to the direct causes, there are other risk factors that can increase the likelihood of getting neuropathy, including:
Age: Older people are more likely to develop neuropathy due to the buildup of chronic diseases, medications, or natural nerve aging.
Family History: A family history of neurological conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can increase the risk of inherited neuropathy.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop some neuropathies, especially those resulting from lifestyle or metabolic problems like diabetes and alcoholism.
Chronic Stress: Chronic stress worsens pre-existing diseases (like diabetes or hypertension) and leads to neuropathy.
Conclusion
Neuropathy is caused by many factors, from chronic diseases (like diabetes and hypothyroidism) to lifestyle problems (e.g., alcoholism and malnutrition), trauma, and genetic conditions. Identification of the cause is crucial in determining the best treatment and preventing further nerve damage. If you suspect neuropathy or are at risk, a thorough assessment by a medical professional is necessary.
If you would like to learn more about some of the causes or treatments, ask me anytime!
Diagnosis of neuropathy requires a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and special testing to determine the type, degree, and likely cause of nerve damage. Here is an analysis of the most significant steps taken:
1. Medical History
Your doctor will ask:
Symptoms: Their development, length, and character (e.g., numbness, pain, tingling, weakness).
Medical conditions: Diabetes, autoimmune disease, infections, or cancer.
Medications: Some can lead to neuropathy (e.g., chemotherapy, some antibiotics).
Lifestyle issues: Alcohol use, exposure to toxins, diet, family history of nervous system disorders.
2. Physical and Neurological Exam
Physicians assess:
Muscle strength and tone
Reflexes
Sensation (light touch, vibration, temperature, pain)
Coordination and balance
These tests determine which nerves (sensory, motor, autonomic) are affected.
3. Diagnostic Tests
a. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
Tests how rapidly electrical impulses are conducted through peripheral nerves.
Determined if there is damage or blockage of nerve transmission.
b. Electromyography (EMG)
Evaluates electrical muscle activity to detect nerve or muscle damage.
Occasionally used in conjunction with NCS.
c. Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)
Tests response to stimuli like pressure, vibration, or temperature.
Helps to detect small fiber neuropathy.
d. Autonomic Testing
Tests autonomic nervous system function (e.g., heart rate variability, sweating).
Helpful in the diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy.
4. Laboratory Tests
Blood and urine tests may include:
Blood sugar and A1C (for diabetes)
Vitamin levels (especially B12, B6, E)
Thyroid function
Liver and kidney function
Autoimmune tests (e.g., ANA, rheumatoid factor)
Tests for infections (e.g., HIV, Lyme disease, hepatitis)
5. Imaging
MRI or CT scans can be ordered if structural problems (e.g., a herniated disc or tumor) are suspected to be pinching nerves.
6. Nerve Biopsy (Rare)
A very small amount of nerve tissue is examined under the microscope.
Reserved for complex or unexplained cases.
7. Skin Biopsy
Used to diagnose small fiber neuropathy by measuring the density of nerve fibers in the skin.
Summary
Diagnosis of neuropathy involves identification of nerve impairment through physical tests and verification by special tests like EMG, nerve conduction studies, laboratory procedures, and sometimes biopsy. Early diagnosis is the key to symptom management and prevention of further damage.
Do you need help with getting ready for a neuropathy evaluation or having questions to ask your doctor?
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.