Peripheral neuropathy, which affects about 2.4% of the population, involves any condition affecting nerves outside the brain and the spinal cord. Can be caused by trauma, infections, metabolic problems, exposure to toxins or inherited conditions, peripheral neuropathies must be addressed before they result in complications like lack of balance or pedal (foot) infections.
Read ahead to learn about peripheral neuropathy meaning, its causes and symptoms, and peripheral neuropathy test and treatment.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
This condition is an umbrella term for nerve diseases affecting a specific subdivision of the nervous system. It is to be noted that diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common type of the condition that is observed in diabetes patients. Also, it is common for the condition to happen for unknown reasons (without a known cause) and this is known as Idiopathic neuropathy.
Further, peripheral neuropathy can affect different body parts, owing to different causes. While the condition can affect anyone, it is common with some age-related diseases or its risk increases as one gets older. Besides, the condition happens in two main ways:
Axonal degeneration:
The most common pattern seen with peripheral neuropathy, axonal degeneration causes the axon to deteriorate and die off. Majorly, it impacts legs and feet, which rely on connections using longer axons.
Demyelinating neuropathy:
When the myelin coating on the axon (a coating around the axon that carries electrical impulses) deteriorates or can’t form correctly, it affects the signal transmission/travel through the neuron.
Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
The nerve located in the peripheral system plays a different role and based on the types of nerves (like autonomic, motor, and sensory) affected, peripheral neuropathy symptoms are categorised:
Autonomic symptoms:
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- Blood pressure changes
- Bowel and bladder problems
- Sweating too much or not enough
- Sexual dysfunction
Motor symptoms:
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- Muscle atrophy (muscles shrink or weaken owing to the loss of nerve connection)
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Muscle weakness and paralysis
Sensory symptoms:
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- Imbalance and clumsiness
- Numbness
- Pain
- Tingling
Peripheral Neuropathy Causes
This condition of nerve damage can be caused by multiple factors. Listed some of the health conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), lupus, Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and more
- Exposure to heavy metals and industrial chemicals
- Genetic conditions, such as amyloidosis, Fabry disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Hansen disease or leprosy
- Infections caused by viruses (such as human immunodeficiency virus) or bacteria (like Borrelia burgdorferi)
- Medications (chemotherapy and antibiotics)
- Type 2 diabetes (the most common cause)
- Trauma and surgery
- Tumours
- Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies (For example: copper and vitamins B1, B6, B9, B12, B9 and E)
- Vascular disorders or circulation-related problems
Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy
A combination of methods is used to diagnose this nerve condition. Doctors will likely inquire about your symptoms and medical history. They may conduct physical and neurological exams in order to learn about changes in your reflexes and/or your ability to feel sensations. Further, they may order a nerve biopsy, electromyography (EMG), nerve ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), genetic testing and blood tests.
Management and Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy treatment depends on its cause. Generally, the following methods are used to manage and treat the condition:
- Assistive Devices and wearable equipment like canes and walkers
- Medicines
- Physical therapy
- Podiatry and foot care
- Surgery
Can peripheral neuropathy be cured? Usually, the condition cannot be cured, however it can be prevented from getting worse.
Conclusion
Peripheral neuropathy happens when peripheral nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord get damaged. With diabetes as the most common cause, the condition can lead to numbness, weakness, and pain, usually, in the hands and feet. While medicines can help reduce pain, sometimes symptoms get better if caused by a condition that is treatable.
