Generally the damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system
leading to disease or dysfunctions of their peripheral nerves is
referred as peripheral neuropathy. It is also associated with side
effects of systemic illness. The presentation and origin of peripheral
neuropathy often varies and in some cases impairs the nerve or the
neuromuscular junction
Causes of peripheral neuropathy
There
are various factors, which can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Cases
where a single nerve is affected the most likely cause is said to be
trauma or some kind of repetitive activity that puts pressure on the
nerves. The common causes for pressure on the nerves are – use of cast
or crutches, a tumor, intraneural hemorrhage, or abnormal bone growth
or even mechanical pressure of staying long hours in an unnatural
position like typing on a computer keyboard.
Most often you
would find that diabetes mellitus is sighted as the cause for damage of
several nerves. It has been seen that almost half of the people
suffering from diabetes have developed some kind of neuropathy. Other
major causes of the ailment include inherited disorders, amyloidosis,
alcoholism, HIV/AIDS, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and a lack of some vitamins,
particularly B vitamins.
Types of peripheral neuropathy
Essentially,
the Peripheral neuropathy can be generalized and symmetrical or focal
and multifocal that is considered as a good indicator of the peripheral
nerve disease.
The generalized peripheral neuropathies are
known to be symmetrical and are normally caused as a result of disease
processes and systematic illnesses, affecting the whole peripheral
nervous system.
Whereas the typical disorders of the
peripheral nerves is associated with focal entrapment neuropathies,
plexopathies and radiculopathies.
Signs and symptoms
Following are the signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which you would encounter commonly:
The
skin becomes very hypersensitive which is why certain parts of the
patients are prohibited from touching, particularly the feet.
Loss of sensory function showing function (negative) symptoms such as
tremor, numbness, and gait imbalance are quite evident.
The Motor symptoms are also associated with the loss of function (negative) symptoms of tiredness, heaviness, weakness
The function (positive) symptoms like tingling, pain, itching, crawling, and pins and needles are gained.
There are also cases of pain in the muscles (myalgia), cramps, etc and at times autonomic dysfunction
Treatments
The
treatments of peripheral neuropathy are accomplished by repressing the
conditions causing the neuropathy and repair damage, and bring relief
from the symptoms. In a situation where the cause of your neuropathy
can’t be determined, different medicines are used to find the one that
is effective.
Through medications the symptoms of pain can
be eased, however the patients are vulnerable to side effects, more so
if the medicines are continued for a longer periods of time. Before
using any medicine such as the over-the-counter (OTC) products it is
essential to consult a doctor.
The treatment also includes
managing a chronic condition that might help in eliminating peripheral
neuropathy. Like those of you having diabetes consult with the doctor
to device ways for maintaining
blood sugar levels as close to
normal as possible. If vitamin deficiency is the cause of neuropathy
then suggested injections of vitamin B-12 daily for a few days and then
every month can be of help.
One
of the best treatments for peripheral neuropathy is believed to be
drug-free therapies and techniques that can help in relieving pain. The
Biofeedback, Hypnosis, Acupuncture and Relaxation techniques are some
of the therapies effective for treating peripheral neuropathy.