Peripheral neuropathy is a malfunction of peripheral nerves. Nearly half of people with diabetes are thought to suffer from diabetic neuropathy. There are over 100 types of neuropathy, each of which can be identified by its own causes and symptoms. Each type of nervous system is a complex communication network in which different types of nerves interact. (3)
Peripheral neuropathy refers to problems with peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves send messages from the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord) to the rest of the body. They tell the body, for example, when a hand is cold. Problems with these nerves can cause tingling, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in various parts of the body. (3)
In addition to support from family and friends, you should consider joining a support group for chronic pain. You will meet people who understand what you are going through. Support groups are not for everyone, but they are a good place to hear about coping techniques and treatments that work for others. To find a support group in your community, contact your doctor, nurse or county health department. (7)
Insomnia, depression and impotence are possible complications of peripheral neuropathy. If you have any of these symptoms, you may find it helpful to talk to a consultant or therapist in addition to your GP. If something stressful comes your way in life, such as moving to a new job, knowing that someone is always there for you can help you cope with it. (7)
Other frequently cited statistics indicate that neuropathy occurs in 60% to 70% of people with diabetes. How your condition progresses and when your symptoms begin depends on the type of nerve or nerve damage and the underlying cause of your suffering. Some peripheral neuropathy can develop slowly over months or years, while others occur suddenly and worsen further. There are about 100 types of neuropathy, and each type develops differently. (6)
The most common types are focal, located in one part of the body, mononeurothy, which includes carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the hands and wrists, and meralgia paresthetica, which causes numbness and tingling in the thighs. Complex regional pain syndrome is a class of persistent neuropathy with small fibrous damage. More serious is polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barre syndrome), which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks nerves throughout the body. There are several types of peripheral neuropathy, the most common of which is associated with diabetes. (2)
Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy can cause burning pain, paralysis, numbness, and stocking / glove patterns that reach the feet and hands. It occurs in about 25% of patients with diabetes and can be treated in the office and affect quality of life. Doctors should consider the patient’s goals, functional status, and possible side effects of medication when selecting treatment for this condition. Information for patients can be found in the accompanying brochure Nerve Pain with Diabetes, which was written by the authors of this article. (5)
Drugs such as gabapentin (Gralise), neurontin (Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica) were developed to treat epilepsy and relieve nerve pain. Over-the-counter pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can ease mild symptoms. For more severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe painkillers. Drugs containing opioids such as tramadol (Conzip, Ultram), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone) and others can lead to addiction and dependence when prescribed after other treatments have failed. (0)
All cases of neuropathy can be treated, but there is no cure. In these cases, treatment aims to control and control the symptoms and prevent further nerve damage. Treatment begins by identifying and treating the underlying medical problem such as diabetes or infection. Treatment options include the following medications that can be used to treat pain. (6)
Discover Mayo Clinic studies that test new treatments and interventions to prevent, detect, treat or treat the disease. Some people with peripheral neuropathy may try complementary treatments for relief. Inserting thin needles into different parts of your body can reduce peripheral neuropathic symptoms. It may be that you need several sessions before you notice improvements. (0)
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and aims to relieve symptomatic pain and prevent further damage. In the case of diabetic neuropathy, treatment of high blood sugar levels can prevent further nerve damage. If a toxic cause is eliminated, exposure to suspected toxins can be stopped, and drugs can stop the damage. (3)
If this is not the case for you, you can still get a grip on the symptoms of your peripheral neuropathy. If your neuropathy is due to an underlying, treatable disease, you may be able to stop it with treatment. Before you talk to your doctor to determine the best medical treatment, you should explore alternative ways of self-sufficiency to supplement your medical care. (4)
There is no safe way to prevent chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms. During the treatment, your team will ask you about your symptoms and see if the CIPN worsens. They may need to delay treatment, use smaller doses of chemo drugs, or stop treatment with drugs that can cause CipN until your symptoms improve. (1)
It is important to work with your doctor or nurse to treat peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor about changes in how you feel or have difficulty with how you walk or hold things. Tell your doctor how your symptoms affect the things you do during the day. (1)
If you have diabetes, it can help keep your blood sugar under control, which can help improve your neuropathy. You are likely to start seeing your GP. They can also be referred to a doctor trained in nervous system disorders, such as a neurologist. (0)
Electrodiagnostic Assessment (EDX) Your doctor may send you to a nerve specialist for an EDX to find out the location and degree of nerve damage. Genetic testing A genetic test may be ordered if your doctor suspects that a genetic disorder may be the cause of your neuropathy. (6)
Multifocal motor neuropathy is a form of inflammatory neuropathy that affects the motor nerves. Damage to the motor fibres that invade the muscles, including visible weakness and muscle shrinkage, occurs in Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. In other autoimmune neuropathies, small fibres are attacked, leaving people with unexplained chronic pain and autonomic symptoms. (2)
Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, characterized by burning pain, paralysis and numbness following a stocking / glove pattern, occurs in 26% of patients with DPN. Less than 20% of patients with diabetes suffer from dynamic mechanical allodynia (pain in response to a stroke) and thermal hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain and thermal stimulation in the event of pain attacks). (5)
Alcohol and tobacco can aggravate nerve pain and cause nerve damage if consumed for long periods. Taking precautions at home Those who are on the periphery are at a higher risk of accidents at home. You can follow these to improve your safety: Wear shoes that protect your feet. (4)
References:
(0): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352067
(1): https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/peripheral-neuropathy/managing-peripheral-neuropathy.html
(2): https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet
(3): https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147963
(4): https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-neuropathy
(5): https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0801/p227.html
(6): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14737-neuropathy
(7): https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/managing-peripheral-neuropathy/