5 Things to Know About Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nerves originate from the spine and spread across the body. They are responsible for connecting the central nervous system with other body parts. They send signals to and from the central nervous system, which helps control the reaction and motions you engage in. A malfunction from one or several nerves in the body leads to poor signaling, and this disrupts the normal body functions. This condition is stubborn and hard to diagnose since the reactions can be associated with other diseases. To fully understand this condition, below are five things you need to know about this condition.
1) Causes
Various factors contribute to this condition. Physical injuries are the major causes of peripheral neuropathy. Autoimmune diseases and infections that affect the body or the nervous system alone can also contribute to this. Kidney and liver conditions are also associated with this condition. Hormonal imbalances where excess or little hormones are produced leads to this.
Additionally, kidney and liver conditions also lead to this. Chemotherapy is also a known cause as the drugs destroy the nerves. Poor nutrition also deprives the nerves the necessary nutrients, but these vitamins and herbs support nerve health, and combined with a balanced diet, they can help.
2) Symptoms
The symptoms vary from one person to the other. However, common symptoms include numbness, extreme sensitivity, and sharp jabbing pains when resting and even during activities. Muscle weakness is also experienced during the advanced stages, and many end up tripping or dropping items. The condition also causes dizziness and lightheadedness when blood circulation and body coordination fails. In severe cases, it leads to paralysis, heat intolerance, bowel, and digestive problems.
3) Diagnosis
This condition might be hard to diagnose as most symptoms are also associated with other conditions, and only a qualified physician can positively identify it. To rule out any doubt, you might be required to undergo various tests. Necessary tests include blood and imaging tests. You can also be subjected to nerve function tests that help determine your nerve responses to electric current, heat, touch, and even vibrations. Additionally, a nerve or skin biopsy can be conducted to reveal the damage to the nerves.
4) Treatment
Various treatment options exist for this condition. Patients can use mediation to treat this condition. The medications include pain relievers, topical creams, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications for those that experience epilepsy-related conditions. Surgery can also be conducted to repair the damaged nerve or on organs that are contributing to the damage. Patients can also undergo therapy as part of the treatment plan. These therapies include TENS, plasma exchange, and physical therapy.
5) Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy
Avoiding injuries where possible is essential, and this can be achieved by wearing protective gadgets. It would help if you also exercised to burn calories, which might lead to an increase in weight and pressure on the nerves. Avoid alcohol as it also leads to poor coordination. Monitor your limb activities and reaction to specific conditions. A negative response should be a cause for alarm. Additionally, get proper treatment for prevalent conditions and injuries to avoid infections and degradation of the nerves.
