Peripheral Neuropathy

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A peripheral neuropathy is any condition that affects your nerves outside the brain or spinal cord. It can be caused by trauma, infections, or inherited conditions. There can be many symptoms associated with this condition. There are a number of treatment options for this condition, but they vary widely from individual to individual.

Neuropathy Of The Peripheral Nerves: What Is It?

Nervous diseases that affect specific parts of your nervous system are known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can occur as a result of a variety of conditions, which means that a wide variety of symptoms are also possible. Depending on how and why peripheral neuropathy occurs, it can also affect a variety of body parts.

Is There A Meaning Behind This Name?

Peripheral refers to outside the central nervous system in this context. The term neuropathy consists of two words that originate from ancient Greek:

Your nervous system has two components, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system is composed of all the rest of your body's nerves. Aside from the nerves that supply your face and body, it also includes those that travel from your spinal cord and brain.

Almost any condition that affects your peripheral nerves can be classified as peripheral neuropathy. It is common for healthcare providers to interchange the terms neuropathy and polyneuropathy (meaning “disease of many nerves”) with peripheral neuropathy. Since peripheral nerves are the furthest from the central nervous system, they often show the earliest and most severe symptoms.

What are the causes and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

In addition, there are certain types of peripheral neuropathy that are more common in certain groups of people (see Causes and Symptoms for more information).

Several age-related diseases also cause peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, with age, you are more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy.

Does this condition occur often?

There are many forms of peripheral neuropathy, partly due to the fact that the term applies to so many conditions. About 2.4% of people worldwide have a form of peripheral neuropathy, compared to 5% to 7% for people 45 and older.

What Are The Effects Of This Condition On My Body?

You need to know a little about neurons, the key cell type that makes up your nervous system, in order to understand how peripheral neuropathy affects your body. The nervous system sends and relays signals using electrical and chemical signals. Each neuron consists of the following elements:

• There are two main parts of the cell: the cell body and the nuclear envelope.
• Known as synapses, these extensions lead to nearby nerve cells by converting electrical signals originating in the neuron into chemical signals. The axon is a long, arm-like part that extends outward from the cell body.
• They receive chemical signals from neighboring neurons through dendrites (a Latin word that means "tree-like" extensions on the cell body).

As a protective covering, myelin surrounds the axon of many neurons and is composed of fatty chemical compounds.

Symptoms Of Diseases

There are two main ways in which peripheral neuropathy occurs:

• Neuropathy caused by demyelination occurs when the myelin coating on the axon deteriorates or can't form properly.
• The longer a neuron is, the worse the axonal degeneration. This results in the death of the axon. This is why axonal degeneration is usually found in your legs and feet, which are farthest from your spinal cord and use longer axons for connections. The most common pattern of peripheral neuropathy is axonal degeneration.

Peripheral Neuropathy Develops How Quickly?

Injury can cause peripheral neuropathy to develop instantaneously, or within minutes or hours, depending on how it develops, particularly how it progresses. Peripheral neuropathy may develop rapidly in days or weeks when it is caused by toxic or inflammation-based conditions, while other peripheral neuropathy conditions may take months, years or even decades to develop.

CASE STUDY AND SYMPTOMS

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms: What Do They Look Like?

It is possible for peripheral neuropathy to cause many different symptoms. The symptoms can occur in a single nerve, a group of nerves connected to each other, or in multiple areas of your body. There may also be multiple signal types involved in the symptoms, depending on the type of nerve signals that are affected.

There are several types of symptoms (more about them below):

• An engine.
• The senses and the pain.
• An autonomous system.

Symptoms of motor dysfunction

In order to move around, your muscles need nerve connections to your brain for healthy function. Your peripheral nervous system transmits motor signals from the brain to your muscles.

Symptoms of motor dysfunction include:

• A weakness of the muscles can result from nerve damage caused by peripheral neuropathy. This can lead to paralysis that affects the muscles of the toes and feet, as well as the hands, the thighs, and the arms.
• In peripheral neuropathy, muscles shrink in size and weaken, which can result in deformities of the feet and hands. Muscle atrophy is often associated with periphery neuropathy.
• Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include uncontrolled muscle movements. Nerves which are no longer connected to the brain may become hyperactive, causing cramps.

Sensitivity

A peripheral nerve converts information about the outside world into nerve signals, which are then sent to the brain, where they are processed into the sensory information you perceive. Nervous disorders of the peripheral nervous system can impair your senses' ability to communicate with your brain or interfere with what they pick up from the outside world.

Peripheral neuropathy causes the following sensory symptoms:

• The sensation of tingling occurs when nerves that carry signals to your brain are damaged. It's like when you're too far from a radio station and you hear static.
• Nerve numbness occurs when specific types of sensations are lost because nerves cannot send or relay sensory signals. Picking up a cold pop can and not feeling the smoothness or coldness of it, or not feeling the texture or temperature of carpet or the floor would be examples of this.
• Clumsiness and imbalance. Nerves also carry sensations that your brain uses to keep track of your hands and feet. These sensations are not consciously visible to you, but they are essential for balance and coordination. In the dark, you might lose your balance and become clumsy with your hands without these sensations.
• In peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage can lead to malfunctions in how and when nerve signals are sent, resulting in pain signals that are more intense (hyperalgesia) or occur too easily (allodynia). In some cases, peripheral neuropathy even causes nerves to produce pain signals spontaneously. This is known as “neuropathic” pain.

The symptoms of autonomic dysfunction

In your body there are several autonomic processes, which are things that happen automatically without you realizing it. These include things like sweating, digestion, blood pressure control, etc. Nerve fibers that carry autonomic signals carry your body's automatic processes. When these signals are disrupted, your body cannot function correctly. Some processes may work intermittently, while others may not work at all.

There are several autonomic symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, including:

• Damage to your peripheral nerves can disrupt the way your body manages blood pressure. This can result in sudden drops in blood pressure or increases in heart rate, especially when you stand up.
• Peripheral nerve damage can cause feet to become dry and scaled, or excessive sweating after eating. Your body uses sweating to regulate its internal temperature. Sweating causes your body to lose heat.
• An autonomic nervous system controls your bowels and bladder without you having to do anything. Nerve fiber disruption can affect bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea), and can sometimes affect bladder control as well.
• Disruptions to the autonomic nervous system can cause sexual dysfunction. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for sexual arousal.
• There are other symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy such as changes in the color of the skin, swellings, changes in the pupils and blurry vision.

Peripheral neuropathy: what causes it?

Numerous factors can lead to peripheral neuropathy. These include:

• In patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, peripheral neuropathy can occur when blood sugar levels remain too high for too long, causing nerve damage. People with diabetes can lose feeling in their feet and lower legs because of this condition.
• A common cause of peripheral neuropathy is alcohol use disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption, especially over long periods of time, can damage nerves, as well as contribute to vitamin deficiencies.
• Deficits in vitamins and nutrients can cause nerve damage. Copper and vitamins B1, B6, B9, B12, folic acid (B9) and E are some of the vitamins that can cause it. Too much vitamin B6 can also cause it.
• It can happen due to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, vasculitis, and more. Autoimmune conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy can also cause severe weakness.
• The causes of peripheral neuropathy can be attributed to chemotherapy, antibiotics, medications used to treat arrhythmias, and toxins. Some heavy metals and industrial chemicals can also trigger it.
• Various types of tumors can either disrupt your peripheral nervous system, such as malignant tumors (cancers) or benign tumors (noncancerous).
• Amyloidosis, Fabry disease, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are examples of genetic conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy. There are treatments for familial amyloidosis and Fabry disease.
• As a result of infections, nerve damage can occur. Viral infections, such as HIV, as well as bacterial infections, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, can cause nerve damage. Shingles can also cause nerve damage.
• A common cause of peripheral neuropathy in developing nations, Hansen disease (better known as leprosy) causes skin damage as well as neuropathy to your peripheral nerves.
• Surgery and trauma can cause damage directly to nerves. Swelling or stretching can also cause nerve damage. Injuries and injuries directly to nerves usually occur only in one location and can be long-term or even permanent.
• Circulation-related disorders (vascular disorders). Peripheral neuropathy is caused by lack of blood flow. It happens to some people when their arms or legs fall asleep while sitting or lying in a certain way, but it goes away quickly if they shift enough for circulation to return. Nerve damage is serious and permanent when circulation problems are severe.
• There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, but when it is idiopathic or cryptogenic (occurring for unknown reasons), it is known as idiopathic neuropathy.

What is the contagious nature of peripheral neuropathy?

Infectious diseases can cause peripheral neuropathy, but it doesn't spread automatically from person to person. The only exception is Hansen disease, which can easily spread from person to person.

TEST RESULTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Peripheral neuropathy: how is it diagnosed?

It is usually necessary to use a combination of methods to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. These include:

• You will be asked about your medical history and any recent symptoms or changes that you've noticed by your healthcare provider. In addition, they may ask about your nutritional habits, lifestyle, and other medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
• In physical and neurological examinations, a healthcare provider looks for changes in your feeling of sensation, muscle weakness, changes in your reflexes, or problems walking and balancing, which are all signs of peripheral neuropathy.
• Peripheral neuropathy can be diagnosed with a wide range of lab, diagnostic, and imaging tests.

How will peripheral neuropathy be diagnosed?

For peripheral neuropathy, the following tests are commonly performed (either to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other conditions):

• Tests of the blood (which could detect toxins and poisons, including mercury or lead, as well as immune system problems).
• A muscle electrogram.
• Ultrasound of the nerves.
• An examination of the nerves.
• Testing of genetics.
• MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCEPTUALIZATION, MANAGEMENT, AND TREATMENT

Is there a cure for peripheral neuropathy?

It is important to know the cause of peripheral neuropathy, as well as other factors that may affect your treatment, such as your medical history and personal preferences. In general, the following treatment methods are the most common for peripheral neuropathy. Your healthcare provider will be the best person to tell you more about the treatment(s) they recommend and the likely recovery timeline.

• Many medications can be used to treat peripheral nervous system problems. They can be taken orally, injected, applied directly to the skin or slow-released.
• By severing or removing damaged or malfunctioning nerves, surgery can relieve pain related to cut nerves, reconnect cut nerves, and reduce pain from trapped nerves.
• The benefits of physical therapy include improving pain symptoms, recovering from injuries, and adapting to nervous system changes, including improving balance and preventing falls.
• It may not be possible to treat peripheral neuropathy directly with medical devices and wearable equipment, but they can help prevent complications. Medical devices such as braces, canes, and walkers, prescription footwear, etc. In the case of type 2 diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy, special footwear is needed.
• Foot care. Many people with peripheral neuropathy need foot care from a podiatrist. These changes can cause sores, infections, and other soft tissue changes.
• A variety of other pain treatments can be used. Some pain specialists may offer other treatments if standard medications don't relieve your pain from peripheral neuropathy or nerve injury, including acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, injections, or spinal cord stimulation surgery.

How can peripheral neuropathy treatments be complicated or side effect-free?

Several factors play a role in the potential side effects and complications of peripheral neuropathy treatment, such as the cause, other conditions you have, the treatment you receive, etc. In order to know more about the possible side effects and complications, you should consult your healthcare provider.

I have peripheral neuropathy. What should I do to manage my symptoms?

When nerve signals between your body and your brain are not traveling correctly, peripheral neuropathy occurs. In addition to minor conditions that are not serious, severe conditions or dangerous conditions can also cause peripheral neuropathy. Certain types of neuropathies can be stopped or reversed if they are treated quickly enough, so you shouldn't try to diagnose and treat them yourself. To manage this condition, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.

AVOIDANCE

Is there anything I can do to reduce or prevent peripheral neuropathy?

Preventing or delaying certain conditions can also reduce the chances of developing peripheral neuropathy. In general, the best preventive or precautionary steps you can take include:

• Balanced nutrition is crucial. Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 deficiency, can have devastating effects on your nervous system. B6 is toxic when it is consumed in excessive quantities and can cause peripheral neuropathy when consumed in large quantities.
• A healthy weight and regular physical activity, along with diet management, can help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes, which damages peripheral nerves over time.
• You can prevent nerve damage from injuries by wearing safety equipment during work and play activities. Injuries are a major source of nerve damage. Using safety equipment can limit the severity of injuries.
• You should manage chronic conditions as your healthcare provider recommends if you suffer from a chronic condition that affects your peripheral nerves, such as type 2 diabetes. It can limit the effects of the condition or delay how long it takes to deteriorate.
• The risk of peripheral neuropathy can be reduced by avoiding or consuming alcohol in moderation only. Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to peripheral neuropathy.
• Toxins, poisons, and heavy metals must be avoided. Because of environmental regulations, mercury exposure is rare, although older thermometers and thermostats may still contain it. Lead is a heavy metal that can severely damage your nervous system. Lead-based paint may also be found in older homes. To prevent exposure to toxic metals and chemicals, local, state, and national agencies may provide resources and services. Follow all safety regulations and use protective gear if you work with such metals and chemicals.

PROJECTIONS/OUTLOOKS

How will this condition affect me?

You can learn more about what you can expect from peripheral neuropathy from your healthcare provider about the causes, the nerves it affects, your medical history, and the treatments you receive.

Peripheral neuropathy lasts how long?

Depending on what caused it, how severe the damage was - if any - and how long it lasted, peripheral neuropathy can be temporary or permanent.

It's most likely that peripheral neuropathy will be permanent if you have chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and genetic conditions.

Does this condition have a good outlook?

If only one nerve or a limited number of nerves are affected, peripheral neuropathy is usually not as severe. The more nerves affected, the greater the potential impact.

Symptoms play a role in the outlook. In addition to peripheral neuropathy pain, medications and other treatments may be beneficial. Autonomic symptoms are among the most serious since they affect your body's vital functions. The consequences can be severe — and sometimes dangerous — when they don't work correctly.

As well as disrupting your daily activities, motor and sensory symptoms can also cause a great deal of discomfort. They can cause mobility, balance, and coordination problems – sometimes severe. Sensory symptoms are also disruptive, especially when they involve pain or interfere with control of the affected body part(s).

A healthcare provider can advise you about the outlook for your case and what you can do to help. Some treatments can greatly reduce or even stop symptoms, depending on the case.

A WAY OF LIFE

What is the best way for me to take care of myself?

You must follow your healthcare provider's instructions if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Managing your symptoms and protecting yourself requires seeing them as recommended, taking medications or treatments as prescribed, and modifying your life accordingly. You can also take a range of actions depending on a variety of factors, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If I need medical care, when should I see my physician?

You should see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Sometimes, symptoms of peripheral neuropathy start before permanent damage or changes occur, so it may be possible to reverse the effects.

The healthcare provider should be consulted as soon as possible if you receive a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. You should also speak to them if you experience any side effects from any treatments. Whenever your symptoms change or you experience side effects that affect your usual routine and activities, talking to your healthcare provider can be especially helpful. These changes may affect your treatment, but your provider may be able to adapt to them and limit their effects.

What is the best time to go to the emergency room?

There are a few serious conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy that require immediate medical attention in order to stay alive. Peripheral neuropathy generally doesn't cause life-threatening complications.

If you have symptoms of certain conditions that can be especially dangerous, such as: You should go to the ER if you experience peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

• Strokes usually cause weakness, paralysis, or numbness on one side. An obvious example of this is a drooping of one side of the face or weakness in one arm or leg. Strokes can also affect one's ability to walk.
• An immune system attack on your nerves is known as Guillain-Barré syndrome. This condition can cause life-threatening complications very quickly. There are many symptoms associated with this condition, including numbness or tingling, muscle weakness that begins in the feet and moves upward, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and unusual changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

When you experience any of the following symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, you should visit the emergency room:

• Having an irregular heart rate (one that beats more than 100 times per minute) or a slow heart rate (one that beats less than 60 times per minute).
• When standing or sitting up, you may experience dizziness or pass out (especially if you fall and have a head, neck, or back injury).
• Peeing or urinating frequently, especially with severe pain or difficulty.

QUESTIONS THAT ARE REGULARLY ASKED

Is it possible to reverse peripheral neuropathy?

In some cases, peripheral neuropathy can be reversed, but a variety of factors influence this outcome. In order to get the most accurate and relevant information for your specific case and circumstances, you should ask your healthcare provider this question. Your healthcare provider will be able to answer this question for you because there are so many factors involved.

Does peripheral neuropathy cause fatigue?

As a symptom of peripheral neuropathy, fatigue can occur. In addition, it can happen as a result of severe or long-term pain caused by peripheral neuropathy or autonomic problems caused by peripheral neuropathy. However, it is not a direct symptom of peripheral neuropathy itself.

Do peripheral neuropathies cause serious problems?

There are many reasons why peripheral neuropathy might not be serious, but there are also many reasons why it might not be. In addition to the symptoms it causes, the severity of nerve damage, and more, it is best to consult your healthcare provider to determine whether your case is serious.

Is peripheral neuropathy something I need to worry about?

The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy isn't something you can do yourself. A medical professional can diagnose it, but it usually requires diagnostic, imaging or laboratory tests. If you experience peripheral neuropathy, you may suspect you have it, but see a healthcare provider to be sure.

Peripheral neuropathy is usually treated with what?

The treatment of peripheral neuropathy depends on the cause and the symptoms you experience. Some causes of peripheral neuropathy are treatable directly, while others need to be treated and minimized as much as possible.

Is it possible to cure peripheral neuropathy?

The condition causing peripheral neuropathy can sometimes go away, but this isn't universal. Many factors can influence how long peripheral neuropathy lasts. In addition to the condition that causes peripheral neuropathy, the treatments you receive also play a major role in its reversibility. Peripheral neuropathy can occur very differently from person to person, so what works for one person may not work for another.

Observations

There are many different ways that peripheral neuropathy can occur, so this condition is common. Peripheral neuropathy is a general term for any condition, disease or disorder that affects your peripheral nerves.

There are many symptoms or forms of peripheral neuropathy that can now be treated thanks to advances in medical science and technology. Some people have temporary, treatable, and incurable peripheral neuropathy. This means that many people have a chance to manage this condition, meaning they can live longer and have fewer restrictions and impacts.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833 , or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/ Our offices are located in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.