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Information on Neuropathy

More than 20 million people in the United States suffer from neuropathy. Neuropathy is also known as peripheral neuropathy. It is a condition of the nervous system affecting various nerves within the body. It is the cause of pain and numbness felt throughout the body. There are many different types of neuropathy affecting one or more than one parts of the body. Symptoms vary according to severity of the disease.

  1. Types of Neuropathy

    • According to the Neuropathy Association, there are more than 100 types of neuropathy which can be narrowed down by various factors such as type of nerves affected, parts of the body affected, and by the cause of the condition.

      When the neuropathy affects a motor nerve it generally affects your movements. When they have affected the sensory nerves, it can affect your temperature, pain level, and sense of touch. If the automatic nerves are involved you may notice that your breathing, blood pressure, digestion, or even sexual function is involved.
      When the neuropathy is noticed in one part of the body it is known as mononeuropathy. When it affects many areas it is known as polyneuropathy; and when it affects the same parts of the body, on both sides of the body it is known as symmetric neuropathy.

      According to the Neuropathy Association, 30% of cases of neuropathy are known as diabetic neuropathy. In another 30% of cases, there is no known cause so it is known as idiopathic neuropathy.

    Causes of Neuropathy

    • Neuropathy is caused by many different conditions including nerve compression, deep cuts, toxins, inflammation, alcoholism, autoimmune disorders such as Guillian Barre, Bell's Palsy, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, vitamin deficiencies, and exposure to the cold. Sometimes the cause of the neuropathy is unknown.

    Symptoms of Neuropathy

    • Symptoms of neuropathy vary depending upon the severity and the type of nerve that is affected. Symptoms include numbness, pain, muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, loss of coordination, bladder problems, blood pressure problems, sensitivity to touch, blurred vision, and weight loss.

    Complications of Neuropathy

    • If neuropathy is not treated you can have major complications including loss of nerve function, tissue damage, chronic pain, depression, memory loss, and even the need for amputation. Prompt treatment is needed if you have this condition.

    Diagnosis and Testing

    • The diagnosis of neuropathy is made after a thorough neurological exam, and testing that may include nerve conduction study; nerve, skin, or muscle biopsy, and possibly a spinal tap to see if an infection is causing the symptoms.

    Treatments

    • The first line of treatment is to eliminate the cause, if possible. If you have diabetes, it needs to be closely regulated. If you have an infection that is causing the condition, you will need to be treated for the infection.

      Medications such as Cymbalta, Neurontin, and Topamax is also used to help with neuropathy. Injections containing local anesthetic and steroids also help. You may also want to try a topical cream such as Zostrix or pain patches such as Lidocaine, which has been proven to be effective. If you are deficient in a particular vitamin, supplements will also be effective in fighting the condition. Other treatments include physical therapy.

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