Take Charge of Your Health - Neuropathy Can Be Dangerous
Neuropathy can be a chronic condition that can be accompanied by anxiety and depression. Understanding what you have and knowing what to expect
helps you focus on what needs to be done and reduces the worry and anxiety
that come from fearing the unknown.
- Norman Latov, MD, Weill Cornell Medical College
Our nervous system is comprised of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The brain and the spinal cord make up our central nervous system while our peripheral nervous system consists of all the other nerves in our body. The peripheral nervous system connects the nerves from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. The role of these nerves is to carry signals about physical sensations to your brain and carry signals from the brain back to the body, making sure that our internal processes are functioning effectively.
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the peripheral nerves are damaged or destroyed. Neuropathy can be caused by: injury, infection, a systemic illness such as diabetes, medications, chemotherapy, long term alcohol abuse, deficiencies in nutrients or vitamins, circulation problems, or an inherited disorder. Sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have some sort of nerve damage. Other chronic diseases that can lead to nerve damage include autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, kidney or liver disorders, and blood disorders. It is also not uncommon for peripheral neuropathy to happen for unknown reasons. This is called “idiopathic” or “cryptogenic” – which means hidden or resulting from an obscure cause.
There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own symptoms and prognosis. Because it is complicated, doctors will typically diagnose the type of neuropathy by the group of nerves it affects. The groups are: Motor (nerves responsible for muscle movement); Sensory (nerves responsible for hot or cold, pain, or touch; Autonomic (nerves responsible for body processes such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion); and Mononeuropathy (damage to a single nerve outside the central nervous system).
To diagnose peripheral neuropathy, neurologists will typically use blood tests, a nerve ultrasound, MRI, a biopsy, genetic testing, or electromyography (EMG) which is a test to evaluate the health and function of the skeletal muscles and the nerves that control them.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on the kind of neuropathy. For instance, motor neuropathy symptoms can include: muscle cramps or weakness, twitching, or paralysis. Sensory symptoms can be pins and needles, numbness, pain, or loss of balance. Autonomic symptoms can include low blood pressure, a fast heart rate, sweating, constipation, or diarrhea. Nerve damage from peripheral neuropathy can cause malfunctions in how and when nerves send pain signals, making pain signals more intense or happen too easily and can even cause the nerves to send pain signals spontaneously. This is called “neuropathic” pain, and it can be the most disruptive symptom of peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment methods most common for peripheral neuropathy include: medications, medical devices or aids such as special footwear, braces or canes/walkers; surgery to reconnect cut nerves or relieve pain due to trapped nerves; physical therapy to recover from injuries or medical procedures and improve strength and balance; and pain treatments including acupuncture. Since peripheral neuro-therapy commonly affects the feet, it is important to seek the care and suggestions of a podiatrist. Sometimes very simple things can make a big difference in the management of the side effects of neuropathy. Some suggestions are to: take over the counter pain medication, wear loose clothing and padded shoes, keep shifting your position/do not sit or stand in the same position for very long, and avoid exercises that put pressure on your joints and feet. Instead try swimming!
For many people, peripheral neuropathy is treatable and temporary. For others, it can be permanent. But thanks to medical advances more and more people are gaining the chance to manage this health condition and live with fewer restrictions and in turn, less impact on their quality of life.