Poorly managed diabetes, alcoholism, and nutritional deficiency are some of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Scroll down to know more about the treatment of this neurological problem.
Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition, in which the nerves passing through the peripheral areas of body (arms and legs), are damaged. These nerves are responsible for sending sensory information to the brain. Symptoms of this nerve disorder include moderate pain, tingling and burning sensation in the hands and feet. Over time, patients experience sharp shooting pain, lack of sleep, difficulty walking and holding objects.
Causes
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes raises blood sugar to alarmingly high levels. Too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream is likely to cause nerve damage and cause neuropathy. In fact, peripheral neuropathy is considered to be one of the complications of uncontrolled diabetes.
Nutritional Deficiency
B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12), play a very important role in the normal functioning of the nervous system. Adequate vitamin B in the diet assists in protecting the nerve fibers. No wonder, deficiency of these vitamins is likely to cause nerve damage and trigger unpleasant sensation in the limbs.
Alcoholism
This neurological disorder can also occur due to excess intake of alcoholic drinks. Too much alcohol consumption can be harmful to the nerves and cause tingling and numbness in the lower and upper limbs.
Injury
Nerves often get stretched or compressed when a person meets with an accident. Injuries like fractures of the arm or leg, can exert undue pressure on the peripheral nerves and cause neuropathy.
Kidney Problems
Kidney disorders can cause excessive amount of toxic substances to accumulate in the bloodstream. This toxic buildup can also damage the nerve tissues and cause tingling sensation in the arms and legs.
Blood disorders can deprive adequate oxygen supply to the peripheral nerves. This can also cause serious damage to the nerve tissues. Other causes of this nerve disorder include liver diseases, inherited disorders, exposure to harmful substances, like heavy metals, and intake of certain medicines particularly prescribed for cancer patients.
Treatment
Painkillers are mostly given to patients who have mild symptoms. Anti-seizure medications such as topiramate, gabapentin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may also be prescribed for moderate to serve pain. Antidepressants like nortriptyline and amitriptyline may also help to control the pain.
Physical therapy that includes specific exercises, are also advised to improve mobility and strength of peripheral areas of the body. Patients can also use mobility devices like wheelchair or walker to improve movement. Nerve damage caused due to alcohol abuse can be controlled by following a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol consumption.
Nerve damage related to vitamin deficiencies, can be cured by taking the required supplements. Peripheral neuropathy resulting from excessive pressure on the nerve, may require surgical intervention. The surgery is done to alleviate the pressure on the affected nerves, in turn helping to reduce the symptoms of this neurological problem. All in all, prompt treatment is necessary to greatly reduce the probability of permanent nerve damage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
