Peripheral Neuropathy Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Peripheral Neuropathy Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Peripheral neuropathy is damage that occurs in the peripheral nerves (peripherals), namely nerve tissue that lies outside the brain and spinal cord. This damage can cause weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain.

Usually, it is more common in the feet and hands along with the fingers. However, it does not rule out the possibility that it can also occur in other areas of the body.

People with peripheral neuropathy often describe the pain as stabbing or burning.

Symptom

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or peripheral nerve damage that usually appear include:

  • Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet which can spread to the arms and legs
  • Sharp pain, pricking and burning sensation
  • More sensitive to touch
  • Impaired coordination and balance
  • Muscle weakness (if affected by motor nerves)

Reason

There are several factors that cause peripheral neuropathy or peripheral nerve damage, such as:

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and necrotizing vasculitis
  • Diabetes
  • Exposure to toxic substances, such as chemicals or heavy metals
  • Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy drugs
  • Infections, such as Lyme disease, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV
  • Trauma or pressure on the nerves
  • Tumor
  • Deficiency of vitamins B1, B6, B12, E, and niacin
  • Diseases of the bone marrow, such as lymphoma and amyloidosis
  • Other diseases, such as kidney, liver and thyroid

Diagnosis

To determine the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy or peripheral nerve damage, the doctor needs to know the cause. For this it is usually done:

  • Medical interview, including asking about your medical history, symptoms you are experiencing, lifestyle, exposure to toxins (toxins), and family history
  • Neurological examination, including examination of tendons, muscle strength, pain sensation and balance coordination

In addition, doctors can also carry out supporting examinations, such as:

Treatment

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy or peripheral nerve damage is focused on addressing the causes of neuropathy and managing symptoms. The drugs given usually function as pain relievers. In addition, it can also be helped with antidepressant drugs.

Complications

Complications that can occur in peripheral neuropathy or peripheral nerve damage include:

  • Burns
  • Trauma to the skin
  • Infection

Prevention

The best way to prevent peripheral neuropathy or peripheral nerve damage is to treat the possible causes. For example, if you are at risk for diabetes, then what you have to do is prevent diabetes first.
In addition, lifestyle changes are equally important. You can do with:

  • Consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein to keep nerves healthy
  • Exercising regularly
  • Avoid factors that can cause nerve damage, such as exposure to toxic substances, smoking or drinking alcohol

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