Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral nerves are the connection between the brain and spinal cord with the body, and in the case of peripheral neuropathy, there is a problem in these nerves that might lead to serious complications in some cases.

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves due to certain reasons, and these nerves transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Peripheral nerves are divided into three types: sensory nerves that transmit sensational information like touching, motor nerves that transmit motor information like walking, and autonomic nerves that transmit autonomic information like heartbeats.

Causes of peripheral neuropathy

• Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are the most common causes.
• Family history.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and others.
• Deficiency of some nutrients and vitamins, and the most important of them are B12, B9 (folic acid), B6, B1, and copper.
• Cancers and tumors.
• Toxins.
• Some medications, like chemotherapy.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Nerve injuries and pressure.
• Some infections, such as Lyme disease and AIDS.
• Some genetic disorders.
• Thyroid, liver, and kidney disorders.
• Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms differ depending on the affected nerves:

• Sensory nerve symptoms: pain, tingling, numbness, burning, increased or decreased ability of the touching feeling, and imbalance.
• Motor nerve symptoms: muscle weakness, inability to control the muscles, muscle atrophy, and paralysis.
• Autonomic nerve symptoms: increased or decreased sweating, low blood pressure, bladder and bowel problems, sexual function problems, and others, depending on the affected nerves.

Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy

• Physical examination.
• Neural tests.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.
• Biopsy in some cases.

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy

The treatment depends on how much the nerves are affected, and it includes:

• Certain medications.
• Physical therapy.
• Electrical impulses therapy.
• Spinal cord stimulation.
• Surgery when needed, like when there’s a pressure or injury in the nerve.

Prevention of peripheral neuropathy

• Eat balanced food.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid the factors that damage the nerves, such as pressing movements, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, toxins, and others.
• Managing other conditions, if any.