What Are the Treatments for Neuropathy Following Chemotherapy?

Neuropathy is a term for nerve damage that can occur for any reason. In addition to damaging and destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy treatments have the potential to harm nerve cells, leading to neuropathy.

Time Frame

• In some cases, the symptoms of neuropathy caused by chemotherapy go away with no treatment. This can take up to two years to occur, according to the American Cancer Society.

Features

• Typically, the treatment for neuropathy due to chemotherapy involves controlling the pain associated with the nerve damage, as usually the nerves cannot be repaired.

Types of Treatments

• Medicinal treatments for neuropathy following chemotherapy include the short-term use of corticosteroids, patches that distribute numbing medication topically to painful areas, anti-depressants and anti-convulsants. For very severe cases of neuropathy pain, doctors sometimes rely on narcotic pain relievers, such as opioids.

Alternatives

• Occupational and physical therapy help some patients learn to overcome the effects of neuropathy or strengthen areas affected by the nerve damage. Acupuncture and biofeedback also provide some patients relief.

Self-Care

• Avoid alcohol and things that make your neuropathy pain worse, like hot or cold temperatures or snug-fitting clothing, suggests the American Cancer Society. If you are diabetic, control your blood sugar levels, because hyperglycemia will make the neuropathy caused by chemotherapy worse.