Neuropathy Symptoms & Treatment

Neuropathy is a condition in which the peripheral nerves of the body are damaged. Since the peripheral nerves are affected, the condition is often called peripheral neuropathy. This damage interrupts signals from the nerves to muscles, skin, organs, and joints. There are different causes for the condition, and each has specific symptoms associated with it. Neuropathy can be controlled and the progression of symptoms slowed if treatment is started early.

Types of Nerves Damaged

• The following three types of peripheral nerves are damaged by neuropathy: motor nerves, which are responsible for voluntary movements of the body; sensory nerves, which are responsible for feeling pain, touch and temperature; and autonomic nerves, which control internal body functions such as digestion, breathing, blood pressure, bladder and sexual function.

Classifications of Neuropathy

• The location of peripheral nerve damage in the body determines its classification. Mononeuropathy occurs in only one are of the body. Polyneuropathy occurs when damage is in many parts of the body. Symmetric neuropathy is when damage occurs in the same places on both sides of the body. Idiopathic neuropathy is the classification used to describe neuropathy with no known cause. Some types of neuropathy are classified by the disease that causes them--this includes diabetic neuropathy and nutritional neuropathy. Radiculopathy is the classification used when nerve roots are involved.

Causes

• Some of the most common causes of neuropathy are diabetes, alcoholism, trauma, autoimmune disease, vitamin B deficiency, Charcot-Marie-tooth disease, amyloid polyneuropahty and poison.

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary depending on the peripheral nerves involved. The following are common symptoms:

  Tingling and numbness of the hands and feet
  Burning or sharp jabbing pains the feel like an electrical shock
  Sensitivity to touch
  Coordination problems
  Paralysis or weakness of muscles
  Bladder and bowel problems
  Cramps or spasms
  Abnormal heart rate and blood pressure
  Sexual dysfunction
  Digestion problems
  Constipation
  Dizziness

Treatment

• The most effective treatment for neuropathy is to manage the condition causing it. Diabetics should keep blood sugar levels regulated, alcoholics should stop drinking, people lacking in B vitamins should rectify the situation, and others should follow their physician's advice to control whatever disease present.

  Along with controlling underlying conditions, pain relief is necessary to treatment for neuropathy. Some medications used are pain relievers, anti-seizure and antidepressant medications, and the Lidocaine patch or other topical treatments. Often, combinations of medications are needed to relieve pain associated with neuropathy.

  Self-help treatments for neuropathy include eating smaller meals to aid digestion, standing or sitting slowly to avoid dizziness, and practicing proper foot care for diabetics.