What Does Neuropathy Mean?

Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves that tell parts of the body to function start malfunctioning. Neuropathy is most commonly associated with diabetes, but you can develop alcoholic or drug-induced neuropathy and cancer-related neuropathy, to name a few.

Neuropathy Defined

• Neuropathy means any malfunction or disease of the nerves. Neuropathy is often referred to as peripheral neuropathy because the peripheral nerves are the ones that are affected. The peripheral nerves are your motor, sensory and autonomic nerves (nerves that control the function of internal organs). These nerves connect the brain to the spinal cord and send messages to the skin, muscles and internal organs. Neuropathy is no more prevalent today than in years past, but it did not receive much publicity. Approximately 20 million Americans have a form of neuropathy.

Symptoms

• Having neuropathy means the peripheral nerves that affect your feet and hands may malfunction, causing numbness, weakness, or pain and tingling. As the neuropathy worsens over time, these symptoms spread to your legs and arms. Sensations of hot, cold, cuts, scrapes and other injuries is impaired. Infections on the feet become more common since you may not feel the original injury. Your legs could feel heavy and you may have difficulty walking. Your balance can become impaired. You may lose the strength in your hands and begin dropping things more often. Another common problem with neuropathy is vision impairment. Bladder control and bowel movements may be affected as well.

Diabetic Neuropathy

• According to the Neuropathy Association, "Approximately 30 percent of peripheral neuropathy cases are linked to diabetes." When you have diabetes, the high blood-glucose levels can damage nerves over time. In most cases neuropathy develops about 10 to 20 years after you are diagnosed with diabetes. Symptoms you may have are the traditional numbness, pain, and tingly feeling in the legs and arms. In addition, because the autonomic nerves that control internal organs are affected, problems may include male impotence, trouble urinating, constipation and nausea. Some of the nerves that regulate vital functions may be affected, causing heart, kidney and muscle problems.

Drug and Alcohol Neuropathy

• Alcohol and drug-induced neuropathy are a result of damage to the peripheral nerves due to the alcohol and drug usage. The risk factors are alcoholism, and the use of drugs or alcohol for approximately 10 or more years. You may lose sensation in your feet, arms and legs that will affect your balance. Along with the numbness, you may experience pain and a pins-and-needles feeling in your extremities. The autonomic nerves that control your internal organs can be affected causing problems that include male impotence, bladder control problems, constipation, nausea, speech impairment and heat intolerance.

Cancer Related Neuropathy

• Peripheral neuropathy is a very common complication of cancer, especially where the tumor or cancer presses on the nervous system. The cancer patient can experience many of the neuropathy symptoms that are common.

Treatments

• According to the Neuropathy Association, "Some types of peripheral neuropathy can be cured, however, most cannot. Many can be helped. Therapy is directed at treating the underlying disease and at improving the symptoms with the right medications." If you have diabetic neuropathy, controlling your diabetes can improve your symptoms. Physical therapy may be recommended by your doctor to increase muscle control and strength. Your doctor may recommend the use of a cane, walker or braces on your legs to increase stability. Pain medications to control nerve pain may be prescribed.