Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy system is responsible for connecting the nerves from our spinal cord and brain to the entire body. In response, these nerves carry signals regarding any physical sensation to our brain. Any fault due to destruction or damage to these essential nerves causes the disorder, peripheral neuropathy. Such tends to disturb the smooth functioning of nerves. They then works abnormally, such as not sending an indication of pain when something is hurting you, or sending an indication of pain when nothing is causing you pain. Such malfunction of nerves can be rooted by infection, systemic illness, injury or an inherited disorder.

Mention The Types Of Peripheral Nerves:

The three types of Peripheral Neuropathy are:

• Autonomic nerves.
• Motor nerves.
• Sensory nerves.

Autonomic nerves connect to our internal organs whereas motor nerves and sensory nerves connect to our muscles and skin respectively. Peripheral neuropathy tends to target a particular or all of the three nerve groups.

What Are The Symptoms Of Peripheral Neuropathy?

Some of its common symptoms include:

•  Feeling of tightness in the hand or feet.
•  Tingling in feet or hands.
•  Stabbing, sharp pains.
•  Excessive sweating.
•  Diarrhea.
•  Digestion difficulties.
•  Constipation.
•  Sexual dysfunction, particularly in males.
•  Considerable low blood pressure.
•  Skin thinning.
•  A shocking or buzzing sensation.
•  Numbness in feet or hands.
•  Heavy-feeling, weak legs and arms.
•  Frequent incidence of dropping objects from the hands.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy is quite common and tends to have many causes and types. At times, no clear cause can be identified. Few diseases related to nerves run in families. In addition to this, a common trigger of this particular type is diabetes. Chronic hypertension is also considered a major factor in its contribution. Other medical conditions that are believed to be a trigger of peripheral neuropathy include:

•  Underactive thyroid gland.
•  HIV.
•  Autoimmune disorder for example lupus.
•  Liver infections.
•  Chronic kidney disease.
•  Metabolic disease.
•  Deficiency of vitamin B1.
•  Lead poisoning.
  Certain factors that can also instigate peripheral neuropathy include:
•  Heavy consumption of alcohol.
•  Broken bone.
•  Prolonged exposure to cold temperature.
•  Medications used for treating hypertension, seizures, cancer and infections.
•  Mercury and glue poisoning.

How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?

The doctor will perform a thorough physical exam including neurological exam of the patient; he or she will ask several questions regarding the symptoms and medical history. The doctor can suggest blood tests in order to rule out the cause that has lead to nerve damage. He or she can also suggest the following tests:

•  Imaging tests.
•  Nerve function tests.
•  Nerve biopsy.
•  Skin biopsy.
•  Lumbar puncture.

How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Treated?

The treatment aims to manage the causal condition that has lead to peripheral neuropathy. In case it is successfully treated, chances are, that peripheral neuropathy will also improve. Easing the discomforting symptoms of peripheral neuropathy is another goal of its treatment. Few of its treatment options include:

•  Medications.
•  Therapy.

By : Natural Health News