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 disease caused when the damage to the peripheral nerves, the nerves outside the spinal cord and brain, has been inflicted. The peripheral nerves send signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body, including limbs, organs, and skin.
???? Major Characteristics of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral nerves include sensory nerves (which control sensation), motor nerves (which control movement), and autonomic nerves (which control involuntary activities like blood pressure and digestion).
If the nerves are injured, it disrupts the flow of information between the body and the brain, producing an enormous range of symptoms.
???? Peripheral Neuropathy Causes
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
1. Chronic Conditions:
Diabetes (Diabetic neuropathy) – High blood sugar damages nerves over years.
Vitamin deficiencies – Particularly B12, B1 (thiamine), B6, and E deficiency.
Chronic kidney disease – Accumulation of toxins within the body may lead to nerve damage.
Autoimmune diseases – Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome cause the immune system to attack the nerves.
Hypothyroidism – Deficiency of low thyroid hormones impairs nerve function.
2. Infections:
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) – Can lead to postherpetic neuralgia.
HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and Hepatitis C – Conditions that result in neuropathy as a complication.
3. Trauma and Injury:
Accidents or falls – Nerve compression or transection injuries due to physical trauma (e.g., herniated discs, fractures, or crush injuries).
Repetitive motions – Can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, in which pressure on the nerve inside the wrist leads to numbness and tingling.
4. Toxins and Chemicals:
Alcohol – Long-term alcohol consumption can directly damage nerves and lead to alcoholic neuropathy.
Chemotherapy drugs – Certain medications for cancer treatment can harm nerves (e.g., vincristine, paclitaxel).
Industrial chemicals – Exposure to substances like lead, mercury, or solvents.
5. Genetic Causes:
Genetic neuropathies – Hereditary conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
6. Other Causes:
Cancer – Both the disease and the treatment (like chemotherapy) can lead to neuropathy.
Medications – Certain medications, such as those used to treat HIV or chemotherapy, may result in nerve damage.
⚠️ Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of nerve involved and the severity of damage. Some of the following are symptoms:
Sensory nerves:
Tingling or “pins and needles”
Numbness, especially in hands and feet
Burning or stabbing, shooting pain
Sensitivity to touch (e.g., pain from light touch)
Motor nerves:
Muscle weakness
Difficulty with walking or carrying out activities that demand fine motor skills
Loss of coordination or balance
Autonomic nerves:
Variations in blood pressure (leading to dizziness or fainting)
Digestive issues (e.g., nausea, constipation, diarrhea)
Abnormal sweating or temperature control
⚙️ Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis
Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed by a healthcare provider using:
Medical history and physical examination: To identify underlying reasons.
Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG): To test nerve function and muscle response.
Blood tests: To check for such conditions as diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or infection.
????⚕️ Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy
The treatment depends on the cause and the severity of neuropathy. The common treatments include:
Treatment of the underlying cause: Managing diabetes, treatment of vitamin deficiency, or stopping alcohol might cure the condition.
Medicines:
Managing pain (for example, gabapentin, pregabalin, antidepressants)
Topical agents (e.g., capsaicin cream or patches containing lidocaine)
Physiotherapy: To improve muscle strength and coordination.
Lifestyle changes: Changes in diet, giving up smoking, or reduction of alcohol.
Surgery: Treatment by surgery is sometimes needed, particularly if neuropathy results from compression of nerves (e.g., carpal tunnel surgery).
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nervous system of the body, often accompanied by symptoms of tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness. Causes are numerous and diverse, from long-term diseases (like diabetes) to trauma, toxins, or heredity. Treatment varies with the cause and degree of the neuropathy, but in most instances, early treatment can manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
Let me know if you want more information regarding treatment or a specific type of neuropathy!
Autonomic neuropathy is one type of nerve damage that affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls automatic bodily functions. Such functions are heartbeat, blood pressure, digestion, bladder control, and sweating. When autonomic nerves get damaged, the body cannot properly regulate these functions, leading to various symptoms.
???? Autonomic Nervous System Functions Affected
The autonomic nervous system consists of two large branches:
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Also referred to as the “fight or flight” system, it prepares the body for peril or stress by increasing heart rate, dilating the pupils, and reducing digestion.
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Also referred to as the “rest and digest” system, it promotes relaxation, lowers heart rate, and promotes digestion and rest.
When these mechanisms are disturbed by autonomic neuropathy, the body cannot balance itself and may respond with both an overactive and an underactive symptom.
⚠️ Autonomic Neuropathy Symptoms
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Postural hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up), leading to dizziness or fainting
Racing heart or heart palpitations
Abnormal sweating (too little or too much sweating)
Digestive Problems
Gastroparesis (slowed emptying of the stomach), resulting in nausea, vomiting, bloating, and rapid feeling of fullness after eating a little food
Constipation or diarrhea
Food caught in the throat or difficulty swallowing
Bladder and Sexual Dysfunction
Urinary incontinence (difficulty controlling the bladder) or urinary retention
Sexual dysfunction or vaginal dryness (both sexes)
Heat Intolerance
Difficulty regulating body temperature, with impairment of heat tolerance and profuse sweating or, conversely, with impaired sweating.
Vision Problems
Distant eyesight or vision disturbance in adjusting to alterations in light due to defective control of pupil size and eye function.
Dryness of Mouth and Dysphagia
Decreased saliva production makes swallowing difficult and speech labored.
???? Causes of Autonomic Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy can result from a variety of underlying illnesses:
Diabetes: Most common reason for autonomic neuropathy, especially in long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) can affect multiple systems.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and Alzheimer’s disease may affect autonomic function.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Failure of the kidneys, particularly diabetes-related kidney failure, may lead to autonomic dysfunction due to toxic accumulation.
Infections: Certain infections, HIV/AIDS, Hansen’s disease (leprosy), or Lyme disease, can destroy autonomic nerves.
Trauma or Injury: Physical injury to nerves, especially those that control autonomic activities, can develop neuropathy.
Medications and Toxins: Drugs used for the treatment of diseases such as chemotherapy or alcoholism can damage autonomic nerves.
Autoimmune Diseases: Diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to attack the nerve tissues, including those in the autonomic system.
???? Diagnosis and Tests
Autonomic neuropathy is typically diagnosed by a combination of:
Medical History: Review of symptoms and any related underlying medical condition (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease).
Physical Exam: Check for signs such as irregular heart rhythm, blood pressure response, and presence of ineffective sweating.
Blood Tests: To rule out other conditions, e.g., infection or vitamin deficiency.
Autonomic Testing: Specialized testing to assess the autonomic nervous system function, e.g.
Tilt-table test (to observe changes in blood pressure on standing)
Heart rate variability test (examines heart rate response to deep breathing)
Sweat tests (to identify sweat gland function)
???? Management and Treatment
Blood Sugar Control (in Diabetes): The most crucial step in avoiding and managing diabetic autonomic neuropathy is the appropriate control of blood glucose levels.
Medications
Alpha-adrenergig agonists for managing low blood pressure (e.g., midodrine)
Prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide) for managing gastroparesis
Antidepressants or anticonvulsants for pain management, if there is pain due to nerves
Sildenafil or alternative therapy for impotence
Lifestyle Changes
Modification of fluid and salt intake to manage blood pressure and fluid status.
Exercise and physical therapy to maintain cardiovascular and muscle function.
Diet: Frequent, small meals may be useful in gastroparesis and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Durable Medical Equipment
Compression stockings to manage symptoms of blood pooling and support blood pressure control.
Pacing devices or electrical stimulation for ill symptoms like arrhythmias or gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Follow-up Monitoring: Neuropathic patients with autonomic require frequent follow-up visits to keep an eye on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other affected systems.
Would you like more information about the treatment options or any aspect of autonomic neuropathy, for example, how it can affect quality of life or how to manage?
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.