Toxic Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

Toxic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system caused by toxic substances. Examples of causes of toxic peripheral neuropathy include exposure to chemicals such as environmental pollutants and workplace chemicals and abuse of chemical such as alcohol and other drugs.

Treatment

• Treatment of toxic peripheral neuropathy begins with discontinuing exposure to the chemical. For instance, in alcoholic neuropathy, treatment involves discontinuing drinking alcohol. Removal of any type of toxic chemical is the first step in treatment.

Medication

• Neuropathy causes tingling, numbness and pain. Over-the-counter pain medicine can provide some pain relief. Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease symptoms of pain, such as tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants and topical capsaicin cream.

Other Treatment

• According to eMedicine, certain non-medical treatments may offer some relief. Examples include heat, massage, elevating limbs and exercise.

Considerations

• According to The Neuropathy Association, toxic neuropathy in the U.S. is relatively rare. When a natural medical cause isn’t readily apparent, peripheral neuropathy may be misdiagnosed as being toxic in nature.

Prevention/Solution

• For toxic neuropathy caused by alcohol and drug abuse, prevention of further nerve damage involves recovery from drug or alcohol abuse. For other types of toxic neuropathy, eliminate exposure to environmental or occupational toxins.