About Peripheral Neuropathy

Answer 1

Peripheral neuropathy is a neurological condition that results from damage to the nerve. The peripheral nerves are responsible for transferring information to and from a person's brain, as well as transferring signals to and from the spinal cord and other parts of the body. When a person has peripheral neuropathy, the nerves are not working properly. It can be characterized by damage to just one nerve or an entire group of nerves.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition may vary depending on which nerves are affected. Typically, the symptoms include numbness or tingling in hands and feet, which eventually spreads upward to the legs and arms; jabbing, sharp, electrical pains through the body; burning sensations in limbs and extremities; loss of coordination; weakness or paralysis in the muscles if the motor nerves have been damaged; bladder or bowl problems if the autonomic nerves have been affected.

Causes and Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy is unknown, it may be linked to lifestyle characteristics and other disorders. Such causes include Alcoholism, history of autoimmune diseases, poison exposure, Diabetes, certain bacterial or viral infections, certain inherited disorders, tumors or growths on the nerves, vitamin deficiencies or trauma to the nerves. Particular risk factors such as B vitamin deficiency, repetitive physical stress, toxin exposure and kidney, thyroid or liver disorders can increase your risk of developing this disorder.

Treatment

When treating neuropathy, the goal is to manage the condition which is causing it. Once the underlying condition is treated, neuropathy often times improves without any further treatment. Another reason for treatment is to provide relief from the often painful symptoms. Treatment options include pain medication, anti-seizure medication, topical cream, lidocaine patches and antidepressants which help to relieve pain by interrupting the chemical process in the spinal cord and brain which cause you to feel pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is also used to help relieve the painful symptoms.

Although peripheral neuropathy can be debilitating, recognizing the symptoms early on and beginning treatment is key to controlling this condition. Above all, identifying and treating the underlying condition that is causing the neuropathy is vital in a successful treatment.