Peripheral Neuropathy

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Peripheral neuropathy. The general term for nerve disorders that impact a particular segment of your nervous system is peripheral neuropathy. Since it can be caused by a variety of disorders, a wide range of symptoms may also be present. The way and cause of peripheral neuropathy can also determine which bodily regions are affected.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Damage to the peripheral nerves that link the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body causes this disorder, which manifests as a range of symptoms include tingling, pain, weakness, and numbness. Along with affecting digestion and urination, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the hands and feet.

Types

Demyelinating neuropathy: This condition occurs when the axon’s myelin sheath breaks down or fails to develop properly. This has an impact on how signals move through the neuron.
Axonal degeneration: This results in the axon’s degradation and eventual death. The effect is worse the longer the neuron. Your legs and feet, which are located furthest from your spinal cord and depend on connections made by longer axons, are therefore frequently affected by axonal degeneration disorders. The most prevalent pattern of peripheral neuropathy is axonal degeneration.

Symptoms

It can present with a variety of symptoms. A single nerve, an interconnected network of related nerves, or numerous nerves spread throughout your body may be impacted by this illness. Multiple signal types may be implicated, and the symptoms also depend on the sort of nerve signals that are impacted.
The sorts of symptoms (more on these are provided below) are:
Motor.
both pain and sensory.
Autonomic.

Causes

Diabetes type 2. Type 2 diabetes that is left untreated is the most frequent cause of peripheral neuropathy. Excessive blood sugar levels over an extended period of time can harm peripheral nerves. People who have type 2 diabetes may therefore experience a loss of sensation in their lower legs and feet.
addiction to alcohol. Nerve injury can result from excessive alcohol consumption, particularly over extended periods of time. In addition to contributing to vitamin deficiencies that produce peripheral neuropathy, alcohol use disorder is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy.
nutritional and vitamin deficits. When a person is deficient in certain vitamins, nerve injury may result.

Treatment

Medications. Peripheral nervous system issues can be treated with a variety of drugs. These can take many different forms, such as oral pills, injections, skin-sticking patches, slow-release drugs, and more.
Surgery. Reconnecting severed nerves and relieving pain from imprisoned nerves can be accomplished by surgery. In order to prevent damaged or defective nerves from sending signals to the brain and vice versa, it can also cut or delete them.
physical treatment. This might lessen pain symptoms or aid in your recovery from illnesses or injuries. Along with enhancing balance and reducing the risk of falls, it can also assist you in adjusting to changes in your neurological system.

Summary

Peripheral neuropathy may be curable, transient, or both for certain individuals. For others, it’s incurable and permanent. Many of the symptoms or manifestations of peripheral neuropathy can now be treated because of advancements in medical research and technology. Many people can live longer and with fewer limitations or effects from the associated diseases and symptoms if they manage this condition.