Delhi/NCR:

Mohali:

Dehradun:

Bathinda:

Mumbai:

Nagpur:

Lucknow:

BRAIN ATTACK:

01140554055

7710777107

01357193333

01645212039

02261347777

07127120000

05226780001

9910204023

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Delhi, India

Get a Second Opinion

To Book an Appointment

Call Us+91 926 888 0303

Overview

Peripheral neuropathy is when the peripheral nerves don't work properly due to damage- the brain and spinal cord relay messages to the rest of the body through the peripheral nervous system. The sensation is another input the peripheral nerves may send to the brain.

Individuals with peripheral neuropathy sometimes report a searing or tingling discomfort. When the underlying problem is addressed, many times, the symptoms disappear. Peripheral neuropathy is often painful, although it can be treated with medication.

Types of Peripheral Neuropathy

Each kind of peripheral neuropathy has a unique set of symptoms and prognosis. They are divided into the following categories:

  • Motor neuropathy: Motor neurotherapy is an injury to the nerves responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement and other bodily functions, such as speaking and moving the arms and hands.
  • Sensory neuropathy: Sensations like pain, temperature, and touch are all regulated by the sensory nerves in the body. These bundles of nerves are explicitly targeted by the debilitating condition known as sensory neuropathy.
  • Autonomic nerve neuropathy: Automatic bodily processes, including breathing and heart rate, are managed by the autonomic nervous system. There is a substantial risk of damaging these nerves.
  • Combination neuropathies: Some neuropathies, such as sensory-motor neuropathy, may occur in combination with other kinds.

Peripheral Neuropathy Causes

Peripheral neuropathy may be caused due to the following:

  • Type 2 diabetes - Lack of control over Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy. Long-term hyperglycemia is harmful to the peripheral nerves. Because of this, persons with Type 2 diabetes might lose sensation in their feet and lower legs.
  • Alcoholism - Alcoholism is a mental illness characterised by excessive drinking. Consuming alcohol in large quantities, particularly over extended periods, is toxic to the nervous system. One of the most prevalent reasons is vitamin deficits, which alcoholism may exacerbate.
  • Lack of essential nutrients and vitamins - Inadequate intake of some vitamins might lead to nerve injury. Copper and vitamins B1, B6, B9, B12, folic acid (B9), and E deficiency are the most probable culprits here. This may also occur if candidates take in too much vitamin B6.
  • Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders - Extreme weakness may be brought on by conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). They also respond well to treatment. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, vasculitis, and other autoimmune diseases may all cause neuropathy.
  • Chemicals used in chemotherapy - Neuropathy in the extremities is a side effect of chemotherapy and other drugs (such as antibiotics, gout, and arrhythmia medicines). Heavy metals and industrial chemicals may also play a role in its development.
  • Tumours - Both malignant and noncancerous tumours may cause problems for the peripheral nervous system.
  • Hereditary conditions - Conditions that may be inherited from one or both parents are called hereditary conditions. Amyloidosis, Fabry disease, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are all disorders that may cause peripheral neuropathy. In the case of Fabry disease and hereditary amyloidosis, therapeutic options are available.
  • Infections - Infections with viruses like HIV or bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of Lyme disease) may cause severe harm to the nervous system. Having shingles, which may cause chronic nerve discomfort, is another prominent example.
  • Leprosy - Although this condition is uncommon in developed nations, its consequences may be seen most obviously on the skin and in the form of peripheral nerve injury. In third-world countries, this is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy.
  • Surgery - Surgical operations may cause direct damage to nerves or aggravate existing nerve damage. Nerves may also be damaged by swelling or straining. This kind of injury often occurs in a single spot. It may last a long time, perhaps even forever.
  • Circulatory difficulties (circulation-related problems) - Peripheral neuropathy may develop when the blood supply is cut off. It is innocuous and transitory when an arm or leg falls asleep due to prolonged sitting or lying in a particular position. Damage to the nerves and their ability to function is typically a significant and irreversible complication of poor circulation.

Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Weakness in the muscles
  • Cramps
  • Muscles that twitch
  • Muscle and bone loss
  • Numbness
  • Loss of feeling or sense in parts of the body
  • Loss of sensation in the legs, arms, or other body parts can make it hard to maintain balance or do other things.
  • Emotional disturbances
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Loss of pain or other sensations that can put one in danger, like not feeling a heart attack coming on or limb pain.
  • Heat intolerance is caused by not being able to sweat properly
  • Loss of control over the bladder can lead to an infection or incontinence.
  • Loss of control over blood pressure can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Damage to the nerves in the intestines or digestive tract can cause diarrhoea, constipation, or incontinence.
  • Trouble eating or getting food down
  • Fatal symptoms, like trouble breathing or an irregular heartbeat

Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis

Several diagnostic tests are conducted to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. Some of them are:

  • Blood tests
  • Muscle strength tests
  • Spinal fluid tests
  • Imahings like CT scan,MRI scans
  • Electromyography
  • Nerve and skin biopsy

Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

Peripheral Neurotherapy can be treated with the help of:

  • Medications: Medications exist for a wide variety of peripheral nervous system conditions. These may be administered in a variety of ways, including as injections, oral tablets, transdermal patches, and slow-release pills.
  • Surgery: Surgical procedures can also restore nerve function and relieve pain from pinched nerves. As an added measure, it may be used to physically remove or sever damaged or defective nerves so that the brain no longer receives messages from them.
  • Physiotherapy: With the help of physiotherapy, one can speed up the healing time after surgery or an injury, and the pain levels will decrease.
  • Wearable equipment and devices: Orthotics, walkers, crutches, crutch cushions, canes, walkers, shoes with special insoles, and other similar items fall under this category. While they may not cure peripheral neuropathy, they may help keep problems from worsening. People with peripheral neuropathy from Type 2 diabetes may need special shoes.
  • Foot care: Feet are a typical site of peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Those with Type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to the resulting changes in tissue and bone, such as sores and infections. It is recommended that anyone suffering from peripheral neuropathy see a podiatrist (foot specialist).
  • Alternative therapies: A pain expert may recommend alternative therapies, including acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, injections, or surgery to implant a spinal cord stimulator if the pain from peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage does not improve with standard drugs.

Peripheral Neuropathy Prevention

Certain lifestyle changes can help to prevent peripheral neuropathy. Many of these health problems may be prevented or alleviated by making positive lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Giving up alcohol
  • Addressing vitamin deficiencies
  • Switching to a healthier diet
  • Dropping excess pounds
  • Staying away from harmful substances
  • Engaging in regular physical activity.
  • Working with the healthcare practitioner is crucial whether the candidate has kidney disease, diabetes, or any chronic health condition, as this may help avoid or postpone the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Outlook

Peripheral neuropathy can disturb one's quality of life immensely. Early diagnosis can help prevent the development of more complex conditions. Consult a doctor immediately in case the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are prominent.

Reviewed & Updated On

Reviewed by Dr. Manoj Khanal, Associate Director, Neurosciences, Neurology on 02-May-2023.


Other Conditions & Treatments

Get Second Opinion

Get free second opinion from India’s leading specialists.

Email - digitalquery@maxhealthcare.com

Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

Find a Doctor
Find a Doctor

Specialist in Location

Peripheral Neuropathy Doctors

Peripheral Neuropathy Hospitals

Top Blogs