Posted On: September 8, 2020
Peripheral Neuropathy causes, symptoms, treatments in Dallas & Plano is the damage or malfunction of the peripheral nerves. This is a situation whereby the nerves can no longer function normally as a result of damage or injury to the peripheral nerves.
The peripheral nerves are the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord that transmit pain signals and information throughout your body to the brain. It also sends information from your brain and spinal cord to the other parts of your body.
The peripheral nervous system connects the nerves from your brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system, to the other parts of your body. The peripheral nervous system also sends sensory information to the central nervous system.
When a peripheral nerve or group of nerves gets damaged, it often causes pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling. The usual functionalities of the nerves are disrupted due to the damage of the nerves. The damage of the nerves might cause you to feel pain even when there is nothing causing pain or prevent you from feeling pains because it is no longer sending pain signals even if something is harming you.
Peripheral neuropathy usually affects the hands and feet, though it can also affect other parts of the body.
Each nerve in the peripheral nervous system performs specific functions. The symptoms that you will experience depend on the type of nerve that is damaged or affected. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy that you may experience include:
Peripheral neuropathy is caused by a number of conditions. The conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy include:
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and vasculitis affect the peripheral nervous system in various ways. Chronic inflammation and damage to tissues, as well as pressure caused by inflammation, can all lead to severe nerve pain.
Bone marrow disorders such as an abnormal protein in the blood (monoclonal gammopathies), a form of bone cancer (myeloma), lymphoma, and the rare disease amyloidosis can affect the nerves and cause neuropathy.
Some other types of diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders, and an underactive thyroid can cause nerve damages.
Alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissues. Alcoholism can lead to vitamin deficiencies. People who take excess alcohol are at a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy.
Exposure to toxic chemicals like glue, solvents, or insecticides can also cause nerve damage. Exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury can also cause nerve damage.
Most people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of nerve damages
Certain bacteria and viruses directly attack the nerve tissues in the body. These include Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV.
People with a family history of neuropathy are likely to develop the disorder.
Cancerous and noncancerous growths can develop on the nerves. Polyneuropathy can arise as a result of some cancers related to the body’s immune response.
Exposure to poisonous substances and chemicals can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Certain medications such as anticonvulsants, drugs for bacterial infections, medications for cancer treatment, and some blood pressure medications can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Injury or trauma from motor vehicle accidents, fractures, falls or sports injuries are some common causes of nerve damages.
Holding still in a position for too long or inactivity can cause neuropathy.
Increased pressure on the median nerves can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
When the body lacks B vitamins such as B-1, B-6 and B-12, vitamin E, and niacin, it could lead to peripheral neuropathy.
There are several ways your doctor will diagnose peripheral neuropathy. First, he or she will conduct a physical examination and take your medical history. Your doctor may conductor a neurological examination to check your tendon reflexes, muscle strength, and the ability to feel certain sensations.
Other additional tests that may be conducted include:
There are several treatments method used to treat peripheral neuropathy. These include:
Some people have been able to find relief from peripheral neuropathy pains. Regular exercises, massage, meditation, and yoga can help relieve nerve pains.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help to relieve mild symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Medications containing opioids, such as tramadol or oxycodone can be prescribed when other treatments fail.
Medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin may be used to relieve nerve pain. You need to follow your doctor’s prescription when using these anti-seizure medications because they can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Capsaicin cream can cause some improvements in peripheral neuropathy. Apply lidocaine patches to your skin can help relieve pain. There are some side effects that may occur when using these topical creams and patches such as intolerance, numbness, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Certain tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, doxepin, and nortriptyline, have been found to help relieve peripheral neuropathy. Serotonin and norepinephrine, duloxetine, venlafaxine might ease the pain of peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes.
When electrodes are placed on the skin, they deliver a gentle electric current at varying frequencies. TENS helps to stimulate the nerve and also helps to suppress the activities of the immune system. Undergoing TENS for 30 minutes every day for about a month can help relieve peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
This involves taking out some amount of blood from the body and placing the blood in a centrifuge. Antibodies and protein-rich blood is extracted and then injected back into the body. The high level of proteins works as antibodies. This procedure helps to suppress the immune system activity.
Muscle weakness is one of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Engaging in physical therapies and exercises can help improve muscle weakness and increase body movements.
Surgery is needed for neuropathies caused by pressure on nerves. The surgery may be used to remove the tumors that cause pressure on the nerves.
Some alternative treatments have shown some promising improvements for peripheral neuropathy. These include:
This is a therapy whereby thin needles are inserted into various parts of the body to help relieve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Certain herbs may help to relieve or reduce neuropathy pain in individuals with diabetes. Talk with your doctor to know the right herb for you.
Amino acids such as acetyl-L-carnitine may help improve the condition of individuals with diabetes and who have undergone chemotherapy.
Alpha-lipoic-acid has shown promising improvements for people with peripheral neuropathy. Discuss with your doctor before using it as it can cause some side effects.
To prevent peripheral neuropathy, there are certain things you should do.
These include:
Eating healthy diets is very important to ensure that you have the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that your body needs to function properly. Eat diets that include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Engaging in regular exercise helps to relieve neuropathy pain, control blood sugar levels, and increase muscle strength.
Always take care of your feet and keep to personal hygiene, especially if you have diabetes.
Excessive intake of alcohol is one of the causes of peripheral neuropathy. Avoid excessive drinking of alcohol.
High blood sugar levels can cause peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes is one of the results of high blood sugar levels. Always keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Smoking can affect your circulation. Avoid smoking to improve circulation and relieve neuropathy symptoms.
