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 hereditary neuropathy?
Hereditary neuropathy is a group of nerve diseases inherited because of genetic mutations and leading to nerve damage over time. Hereditary neuropathies primarily target the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Hereditary neuropathies can lead to muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of coordination.
The most common type of hereditary neuropathy is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), but there are other inherited diseases that cause hereditary neuropathy.
Types of Hereditary Neuropathy:
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT):
It is the most common and well-known type of hereditary neuropathy. It is caused by mutations in genes that affect the nerves that regulate muscles (motor nerves) and conduct sensory information (sensory nerves).
Symptoms are muscle weakness (especially in the feet and hands), deformity in the feet (high arch or hammertoe), sensory impairment, and difficulty in walking or maintaining balance.
It may be a progressive condition and becomes worse over time. Diagnosis is predominantly in late teenage years or in young adulthood.
Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN):
This group of diseases affects both sensory and autonomic nerves. These nerves are employed for sensations like pain and temperature, as well as the regulation of involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion, sweating).
Symptoms can include loss of pain and temperature sensation, defective regulation of sweating, difficulty in swallowing, and gastrointestinal disturbances. In some cases, it can also lead to self-inflicted injuries because the person does not experience pain.
Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP):
A rare genetic neuropathy caused by deposition of abnormal amyloid proteins in organs and tissues, including the nerves. The proteins impair the function of the nerves.
Symptoms include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and organ damage (e.g., heart and kidneys). FAP usually occurs in adulthood.
Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy (HMSN):
This condition is characterized by both motor and sensory nerve damage, resulting in muscle weakness and sensory loss. It tends to worsen progressively over time.
HMSN may have a wide variety of severities, ranging from mild cases to more severe forms that impair mobility and function.
Causes of Hereditary Neuropathy
Genetic mutations: Inherited neuropathies are caused by mutations in some genes that control nerve function. These mutations can affect the structure or function of nerve fibers (axons) or the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers.
Pattern of inheritance: Most of the hereditary neuropathies are autosomal dominant (where a solitary copy of the mutated gene will suffice for an individual to suffer from the condition). Some could be autosomal recessive (where two copies of the mutated gene will suffice), and in the less common, an X-linked pattern of inheritance (where the mutation falls on the X chromosome) is involved.
Signs of Hereditary Neuropathy:
Muscle weakness: Often starting in the feet and hands, leading to a difficulty in walking or hand function.
Deformity of the feet: Flat feet, hammertoes, or high-arched feet, which would interfere with walking.
Loss of sensation: Numbness or tingling sensation in the feet and hands.
Disturbance of balance: Difficulty walking or remaining upright due to loss of sensation and muscle weakness.
Loss of reflexes: Absent or diminished reflexes, especially of the lower extremities.
Pain: Nerve-related pain, and sharp or burning pain.
Diagnosis:
Genetic testing: Identifying the specific gene mutation that causes the neuropathy.
Nerve conduction studies: Measuring the electrical activity in nerves to find out how they function.
Electromyography (EMG): Finding the electrical activity of muscles to identify the extent of muscle involvement.
Family history: Full family history may help in determining patterns of inheritance and diagnosis.
There is no treatment for most forms of inherited neuropathy, but medications are used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may involve:
Physical therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Orthotics: Braces or orthopedic shoes to help walk and straighten foot deformities.
Pain control: Medications to help with nerve pain (e.g., anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or painkillers).
Surgical treatment: In some, surgery to repair severe deformity or damaged nerves may be indicated.
Prognosis:
Evolution of inherited neuropathy depends greatly upon type. For many, progression of symptoms occurs at a very gradual rate. However, severe progression that will cause loss of function and disability will occur for some. Diagnosis in early infancy has been noted to improve long-term outcome. Proper management early will also tend to improve survival, function, and quality of life.
Would you like to know more about a specific form of hereditary neuropathy or their treatment?
Alcoholic neuropathy is one type of peripheral neuropathy caused by chronic excessive alcohol consumption. It is characterized by nerve damage that affects the peripheral nervous system (the nerves beyond the brain and spinal cord). Alcoholic neuropathy may lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, typically in the hands and feet.
Causes of Alcoholic Neuropathy:
Alcoholic neuropathy is primarily caused by:
Chronic alcohol abuse: Chronic use of large quantities of alcohol can physically injure nerve tissue. Alcohol is toxic to nerves and could also get in the way of nerve function.
Nutritional deficiencies: Chronic consumption of alcohol can lead to deficiencies of essential vitamins, predominantly the B vitamins (primarily B1, B6, and B12), which are highly essential for nerve function. The deficiencies contribute significantly to nerve damage.
Liver damage: Chronic alcohol consumption may lead to liver disease, which can be extended to the health of the nerves since the liver purifies the body and stores essential nutrients.
Metabolic changes: Alcohol alters metabolism, forming oxidative stress, inflammation, and other mechanisms of nerve damage.
Symptoms and signs of Alcoholic Neuropathy:
The symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy can vary, but some of the symptoms include:
Pain: Burning, aching, or stabbing pain, usually in the hands and feet.
Numbness: Feeling of loss of sensation or a “pins and needles” in the limbs.
Tingling: Often a “prickly” feeling, especially in the hands or feet.
Weakness: Muscle weakness in the legs, causing walking or staying upright problems.
Impaired coordination: Difficulty with motor skills and coordination due to nerve damage.
Autonomic symptoms: In more serious cases, alcoholic neuropathy can affect the autonomic nervous system, so that the body is having trouble controlling blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and sweating.
Diagnosis of Alcoholic Neuropathy:
Diagnosis typically involves a mix of:
Medical history: History of alcohol use and associated medical conditions (such as liver disease or nutritional deficiency).
Physical and neurological examinations: To find out muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, and sensory function.
Blood tests: To check for deficiency of vitamins (such as B1, B6, and B12), liver function, and other nerve health markers.
Nerve conduction studies (NCS): To measure the speed and amplitude of electrical impulses that travel through the nerves, which can diagnose peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment for Alcoholic Neuropathy:
The first treatment goal is to stop or reduce alcohol consumption, as continued drinking will further damage nerves. Other treatments include:
Vitamin supplementation:
B vitamins (especially B1, B6, and B12) are important for healthy nerves, and supplementation is effective in reversing deficiency and relieving symptoms.
Treating alcohol withdrawal: If alcohol use has resulted in dependency, treatment of withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of a doctor may be necessary.
Pain relief: Gabapentin, pregabalin, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) can be used to alleviate nerve pain.
Physical therapy: To restore muscle strength, enhance coordination, and avoid falls.
Nutritional therapy: Normal diet and, depending on the situation, advanced nutritional therapy to replace deficiencies and promote nerve regeneration.
Support groups or counseling: Long-term alcohol dependence recovery is generally accompanied by therapy, support groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous), and other interventions to reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Prognosis of Alcoholic Neuropathy:
Early stages: If alcoholics’ neuropathy is diagnosed early and alcohol is stopped, there is partial improvement or stabilization of signs or symptoms, or even recovery in some, especially if nutritional deficiencies are corrected.
Long-term or severe cases: In longstanding or severe cases of the neuropathy, nerve damage cannot be reversed. However, stress is given on symptom control, quality-of-life improvement, and prevention of worsening.
Prevention:
Prevention of alcoholic neuropathy is most effectively accomplished by restricting alcohol consumption. Early recognition and treatment of illness due to alcohol, such as liver disease or vitamin deficiency, can prevent or delay the progression of nerve damage.
Do you want further information on treatment of alcoholic neuropathy or how it impacts other aspects of health?
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.