Causes and Treatments of Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathy, is a term often used to describe a condition involving peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition, in which the nerves that connect the spinal cord and brain to other body parts are damaged. These nerves are responsible for sending sensory information, such as 'feet are cold', to the brain. When these peripheral nerve tissues get damaged, they stop functioning properly. As a result, the person experiences numbness, tingling and pain in his hands or feet. Peripheral neuropathy can also affect movement and other bodily functions.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include moderate pain, tingling and burning sensation in the hands and feet. With time, patients experience sharp shooting pains, lack of sleep and difficulty in walking and holding objects.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetes can cause damage to several nerves. Hence, diabetes patients frequently suffer from this disorder. Nutritional deficiency is commonly found in people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. B vitamins (B1, B6 and B12), play a very important role in maintaining nerve health. Lack of these vitamins can also damage the nerve tissue. Excessive alcoholism can also contribute to nerve damage, as these people follow unhealthy dietary habits.

Physical injury is another leading cause of peripheral neuropathy. Nerves often get stretched or compressed when a person meets with an accident. In some severe sports-related injuries, the nerves get detached partially from the spinal chord. Injuries like fractures and dislocated bones can exert undue pressure on the nerves.

Kidney disorders occur when the blood has excess amount of toxic substances. This condition too can harm nerve tissues. Liver diseases which are an outcome of chemical imbalances can also lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Hormonal imbalances such as underproduction of thyroid hormones, often leads to swollen tissues that compress peripheral nerves. As the normal metabolic processes get disturbed there is excessive growth of skeletal parts, including the joints. In such cases, the nerves often get trapped between these affected joints.

People suffering from blood disorders do not get sufficient oxygen supply to their peripheral nerves. This can cause serious damage to the nerve tissues. HIV infected patients are also susceptible to this disease. Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include inherited disorders, exposure to harmful substances, like heavy metals, and intake of certain medicines especially prescribed for cancer patients.

Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy

It is essential to determine the cause of peripheral neuropathy before starting the treatment. The treatment varies depending upon the cause.

Pain killers are mostly given to patients who have mild symptoms. Anti seizure medications such as topiramate, gabapentine, carbamazepine and phenytoin are often prescribed for nerve pain. Antidepressants like nortriptyline and amitriptyline also help to control the pain.

Physical therapy that includes specific exercises, is used in cases of severe impairment, to regain strength. Patients can also use mobility devices like wheelchair or walker to improve movement. Nerve damage caused due to alcohol abuse can be controlled by improving the diet and avoiding alcohol consumption.

Peripheral neuropathy related to vitamin deficiencies, can be cured by taking the required nutrients. In case the nerves are damaged from injury, then surgical treatment is often recommended. If you carefully diagnose and treat symptoms of peripheral neuropathy earlier, the recurrence of this disease can be prevented. Prompt treatment can greatly reduce the probability of permanent nerve damage.