Peripheral Neuropathy

  What is it?

  Neuropathy is a disturbance
  in the function of a nerve
  or particular group of nerves.
  The nerves affected are
  outside the brain and spinal
  cord and are known as
  peripheral nerves, thus,
  referred to as peripheral
  neuropathy. The nervous
  system is classified into two
  parts: the central nervous
  system (or CNS) and the
  peripheral nervous system
  (or PNS). The CNS is made
  up of the brain and the spinal cord. The PNS is composed of the nerves that
  branch off from the CNS. The peripheral nerves handle a diverse array of functions
  in the body.

  When an individual has peripheral neuropathy, nerves of the PNS have been
  damaged. Certain nerve cell axons, such as the ones in the PNS, are covered with
  a substance called myelin. The myelin sheath may be compared to the plastic
  coating on electrical wires: It is there both to protect the cells and to prevent
  interference with the signals being transmitted. Depending on the cause of
  damage, the nerve cell axon, its protective myelin sheath, or both may be injured
  or destroyed.

  What causes it?

  There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Protein abnormalities
  • Certain medications - especially those used to treat cancer and HIV/AIDS.
  • Hereditary disorders
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals
  
  • Infections
  • Poor nutrition
  
  • Inflammation
  • Kidney failure
  
  • Auto-immune diseases
  • Chronic alcoholism

  What are the symptoms?

  Peripheral neuropathy usually starts with numbness, prickling or tingling in the
  toes or fingers. It may spread up to the feet or hands and cause burning,
  freezing, throbbing and/or shooting pain that is often worse at night. The pain can
  be either constant or periodic, but usually the pain is felt equally on both sides of
  the body -- in both hands or in both feet. The pain of neuropathy is a result of
  the abnormal processing of nerve impulses that originate in these peripheral
  nerves. Some types of peripheral neuropathy develop suddenly, while others
  progress more slowly over many years. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
  often include:

  • Loss of balance and
    coordination
  • Difficulty sleeping
    because of feet
    and leg pain
  • Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
  • A sensation of wearing an
    invisible "glove" or "sock"
  • Abnormalities in blood pressure
    or pulse
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Burning sensation or
    freezing pain
  • Difficulty walking or moving
    the arms
  
  • Unusual sweating
  • Muscle weakness
  

  What treatments are available?

  Peripheral nerves have the ability to regenerate as long as the nerve cell itself has
  not been killed. Symptoms often can be controlled, and eliminating the causes of
  specific forms of neuropathy often can prevent new damage. In general, adopting
  healthy habits such as maintaining optimal weight, avoiding exposure to toxins,
  following a physician-supervised exercise program, eating a balanced diet,
  correcting vitamin deficiencies, and limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, can
  reduce the physical and emotional effects of peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathic
  pain is often difficult to control. Mild pain may sometimes be alleviated by
  analgesics sold over the counter. Mechanical aids such as hand or foot braces
  and orthopedic shoes, can help reduce pain and lessen the impact of physical
  disability. Balance Retraining Therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy
  to decrease, if not eliminate, a patient's complaint of dizziness and/or
  unsteadiness.

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