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Peripheral neuropathy refers to different conditions, in which nerves that carry messages from/to brain/spinal cord, to rest of the body, are damaged. As we mentioned, there are different types of peripheral neuropathies, examples being carpal tunnel syndrome. People over the age of 55 are more likely to suffer from peripheral neuropathies. However, with neuropathy machine and custom treatment plans, patients often do much better. Here is a look at the symptoms and other aspects.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Numbness, which can be either permanent or temporary, increased sensation of prickling and tingling, pain, muscle wasting, weakness in muscles, organ-related issues, and paralysis. It is important to understand that the peripheral nervous system is different from the central nervous system. As the name indicates, peripheral neuropathy impacts the peripheral nervous system.
What triggers neuropathy?
There are varied causes for neuropathy. In majority of cases, it is a case of mismanagement of diabetes. Other factors can also impact the peripheral nervous system and cause neuropathy, such as kidney conditions, HIV, chemo treatments, alcohol addiction, and vitamin & nutritional deficiencies. There are still more than 20% cases, where the cause of peripheral neuropathy is not known.
Treatment and beyond
Finding the underlying cause and what may have triggered peripheral neuropathy is the first step, and following that, a customized treatment plan is developed. It may involve using special machines to minimize and reverse the damage, use of OTC pain relievers, and in some cases, antidepressants are also recommended. If the underlying condition can be managed, neuropathy can get better with time, but in some cases, such as where neuropathy is triggered by causes like chemo, the damage is often permanent. In general, the standard goal of the treatment is to reduce further impact on the peripheral nervous system.
Types of neuropathy
If only one nerve is damaged or impacted because of neuropathy¸ it is known as mononeuropathy. Polyneuropathy, as the name suggests, occurs when more nerves are affected. For instance, damage to the sensory nerves can impact a person’s sensations. Distal symmetric polyneuropathy is more common in people who suffer from diabetes, and it impacts nerves that are away from central nervous system.
While neuropathy can impact the body for the long term and can be permanent, it is reversible and manageable in many cases. Just talk to your doctor and find a treatment plan that not merely addresses the symptoms, but also the possible cause.
