Treatment for peripheral neuropathy

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder caused by damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord- the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nervous system is the nervous system outside the central nervous system which is the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system.

People with peripheral neuropathy can often experience weakness, numbness, and pain, most prominently in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and functions of the body, including digestion, urination, and circulation. 

What can be the cause of peripheral neuropathy?

Several medical conditions can be the main cause of peripheral neuropathy. These could be;

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. People with diabetes are more likely to develop some form of peripheral neuropathy.

Viral or bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV can also cause peripheral neuropathy. 

Other diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders, and hypothyroidism can also cause peripheral neuropathy. 

Apart from these health conditions, some lifestyle habits can also contribute to Peripheral neuropathy. Lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol, eating a poor diet or a large proportion of junk food and deficiency of vitamins, especially vitamin B might be the cause of peripheral neuropathy. 

What are the types of nerves that might get affected due to Peripheral neuropathy?

Both the treatment and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which type of nerve gets affected by the condition. So, there are three types of nerves consisting in the peripheral nervous system that might get affected due to this nerve disorder. These are;

Motor nerves: The motor nerves are responsible for controlling cell movement;

Sensory nerves: The sensory nerves are for sensations such as temperature, pain or touch. 

Numbness and tingling sensation in hands and arms that might also spread to the other body parts; Unusual muscle weakness; Sensitivity to touch; Sharp and throbbing pain; Difficulty in coordination are some of the symptoms when either motor or sensory nerves get affected. 

Autonomic nerves: Autonomic nerves are responsible for controlling functions such as blood pressure, perspiration, heart rate and digestion. Excessive sweating; not sweating; Bowel, bladder or digestive problems; Drops in blood pressure causing dizziness are the symptoms if the condition causes autonomic nerves to get affected. 

What are some treatments for peripheral neuropathy?

After someone has been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, then after analysing a person's signs and symptoms, the best neurologist in South ex will provide the treatment for the condition. 

If the peripheral neuropathy is due to some medications, then your neurologist will provide you with better alternatives. The same is when the cause might be diabetes, careful monitoring of the blood sugar levels will ease the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. In cases where the cause of peripheral neuropathy is because of poor diet or alcoholism then working on improving diet and reducing the consumption of alcohol will help prevent Peripheral neuropathy. 

Peripheral neuropathy might cause sharp and throbbing pain in most people. In such situations, where the pain becomes unbearable, then neurologists in Delhi NCR might recommend some pain relievers to relieve the pain. 

The early diagnosis and treatment for peripheral neuropathy are extremely important to ease the signs and symptoms of the condition and prevent it from progressing. Thus, if you suspect some unusual symptoms such as frequent numbness or pain in your hands and feet, then visit the best neurologist in Delhi for further assistance on the condition.