Nerve problems: peripheral neuropathy

The term peripheral neuropathy describes an injury to the peripheral nerves. We speak of peripheral nerves when they are located outside the brain and spinal cord. This process is called peripheral neuropathy and it causes tingling, weakness and numbness in the hands and feet of the patient who suffers from it. In this post we talk about peripheral neuropathy, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a set of symptoms caused by damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord., which are known as peripheral nerves. These are responsible for conducting sensations to the brain and controlling the movement of the arms and legs, in addition to controlling the bladder and intestines.

The brain and spinal cord send and receive information from all parts of the body, through peripheral nerves. When any of them is affected, this information is lost or distorted, causing symptoms related to the function of the damaged nerve.

Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves (polyneuropathy). Most people with peripheral neuropathy have polyneuropathy.

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, which may gradually spread to the arms and legs.
• Sensitivity to touch.
• Lack of coordination, sudden falls and problems walking.
• Paralysis of the affected motor nerves.
• Weakness of the muscles of the human body.
• Difficulty lifting objects and fastening clothing
• Pain when practicing sports activities that should not cause pain.

If the autonomic nerves are also affected, the following symptoms are added to the previous symptoms:

• Heat intolerance.
• Excessive sweating of the patient, or not being able to sweat.
• Intestinal problems
• Dizziness as a result of a reduction in blood pressure

Causes of peripheral neuropathy

Taking chemotherapy drugs and other cancer treatment medications can damage peripheral nerves., which is known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Thus, platinum-containing medications such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are more likely to cause CIPN.

In addition to chemotherapy, the presence of tumors that press on the nerves and infections that affect them are other of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another cause of this injury.

Disorders and injuries to the spinal bone marrow, such as amyloidosis, car accidents that cause and damage peripheral nerves are also causes of peripheral neuropathy.

On the other hand, another cause related to the presence of peripheral neuropathy is associated with a deficiency of vitamins, such as group B vitamins and vitamin E, which are essential for the health of the nerves.

Likewise, Charocot-Marie-Tooh disease is an inherited neuropathy disorder. People with diabetes and who consume excessive alcohol are more likely to develop some type of neuropathy.

Diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy

Medical tests such as MRI or CT scan can look for the presence of herniated discs., pinched nerves and other abnormalities that affect blood vessels and bones.

Complications of peripheral neuropathy can include burns and skin wounds, infections, and falls.

In any case, it is important to know what is causing the peripheral neuropathy so that appropriate treatment can be administered as soon as possible. In cases of neuropathies caused by pressure on the nerves, it is possible that a specialist may request surgery to reduce the pressure on them.

How to prevent peripheral neuropathy?

For benefit nerve health and keep them healthy, it is recommended to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein, consuming foods that provide a large amount of group B vitamins.

With prior approval from the specialist, it is advisable to perform physical exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, always avoiding factors that cause nerve damage, such as repetitive movements, uncomfortable positions that damage the nerves, and exposure to excessive toxic substances.

Likewise, physiotherapy can help improve movements in cases where it is accompanied by muscle weakness.

A correct diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is very important to carry out the most appropriate treatment for a correct recovery and a pain-free life. Make an appointment with our team of expert traumatologists in Madrid for the earliest recovery from your trauma pathology. Our brand is synonymous with quality, professionalism, experience and dedication over many years. Do not wait more!