OVERVIEW
COMMON CAUSES
TREATMENT
A group of diseases resulting from damaged or malfunctioning of nerves.
- Neuropathy is a defect of one or more nerves, common causes are
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Injury to nerves
- Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, syphilis
- Post-herpetic neuralgia, a complication resulting from shingles
- Alcohol abuse
- Genetic disorders such as Friedreich’s ataxia
- Amyloidosis where abnormal protein fibers get deposited in tissues and organs
- Certain medications or drugs, such as cancer therapy drugs
- Tumors located close to nerves
- When the causes are unknown or cannot be exactly identified, it is known as idiopathic neuropathy
Treatment aims at reducing symptoms and treating underlying diseases, if any. The following medications have been recommended for treating neuropathy.
OVERVIEW
SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSIS
AREAS
TREATMENT
PRODUCTS(T)
- Nerve pain
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others.
Very commo
<
0
Cases per year
More than 3 million cases per year in US
Treatment from medical professional advised
Often requires lab test or imaging
Can last several years or be lifelong
Urgent medical attention recommended in severe cases
Family history may increase likelihood
IN DEPTH...
Symptoms
Symptoms generally depend on the nerves affected and include:
- Numbness or tingling sensation
- Pain
- Inability to detect joint position that can lead to falls
- Extreme sensitivity to touch, light or sound
- Weakness
- Loss of reflexes
- Muscle cramping
- Loss of proper functioning of the organs in case of autonomic neuropathy, for example, urinary incontinence
- Bone degeneration
- Notable changes in the skin, hair, and nails
Causes
- Neuropathy is a defect of one or more nerves, common causes are
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Injury to nerves
- Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, syphilis
- Post-herpetic neuralgia, a complication resulting from shingles
- Alcohol abuse
- Genetic disorders such as Friedreich’s ataxia
- Amyloidosis where abnormal protein fibers get deposited in tissues and organs
- Certain medications or drugs, such as cancer therapy drugs
- Tumors located close to nerves
- When the causes are unknown or cannot be exactly identified, it is known as idiopathic neuropathy
Prevention
- Follow your doctor’s advice on the medications and follow-up visits
- Monitor and control your blood glucose levels
- Quit smoking and alcohol
- Avoid exposure to toxins
- Consult your doctor regarding the diet
- Take your nutritional supplements as suggested
- Get your feet tested at least once every year
Complications
- Inability to sense in the foot leads to blisters and sores, which when not noticed could lead to infection and gangrene
- Autonomic neuropathy can lead to:
- Abdominal distension, nausea or vomiting after meals
- Urinary incontinence
- Abnormal bowel movements causing diarrhea or constipation
- Blurred vision
- Decreased ability to sweat
- Erectile dysfunction or impotence in men
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Diagnosis is primarily aimed at identifying the underlying causes.
Common tests & procedures(T)
No data was found
Areas(T)
No data was found
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